Klaudia's Blog
Making the Most of Nature’s Bounty
Late summer in the edible patch is about anticipating the harvest season and enjoying a slower pace as we seek the shade. Sarah Frater offers some expert advice.
Good Things Take Time
Mike Taylor is a seasoned professional whose vision and leadership has propelled Pie Funds from a small investment advisory firm to one of New Zealand’s premier wealth management specialists. We talk to him about how working with a skilled wealth manager could be the key to unlocking your financial potential.
A Celebration of Rural, Community, and Competition
Tailored to you
Cosmetic injectables are mostly known for their ability to smooth out frown lines or plump lips, but there are many ways in which they help address signs of ageing such as wrinkles, volume loss and sagging, as well as sculpt facial features for a more defined, youthful look.
Beef, Eggplant, Tomato & Feta Salad with Salsa Verde
The elements in this salad come together to form a wonderfully moreish meal that will be sure to impress even the most discerning dinner guest. The eggplant is unctuous and rich, the tomatoes fresh and the feta creamy and sharp. Cook the beef to your liking and don’t skimp on the salsa verde – it is vibrant green and perfectly balanced.
Breaking down the basics of pruning
Before we know it, it will be time to start thinking about pruning our trees, gardens and hedges. We spoke to Farmlands Technical Advisor Laurence Frost for some expert advice on how to get the pruning process right.
Crispy Sausage, Potato & Caper Salad
This takes potatoes and sausages to dizzying heights and is a lovely dish either to serve as a light meal or to bring to a potluck dinner. The potatoes are deliciously crispy and paired with the crumbled sausage and the peppery rocket they make a satisfying meal.
Be in to win one of three Lucy’s Gluten Free Bread Mix packs
Be in to win one of three Lucy’s Gluten Free Bread Mix packs
A little wonderful
Two Canterbury sisters have turned a love of design and creation into a fashion brand centred around sustainability, ethical practices and bringing a smile to their customers.
Just move
Kane Brisco is passionate about helping people realise the impact movement can have on our mental and physical wellbeing – he shares his top tips for getting started.
My Colourful World ... with Klaudia
Our art director Klaudia Krupa is in the hot seat this issue as we dive into her creative world and the role colour plays in her day-to-day.
Listening collection - February & March 2025
Discover something new with our top picks of what to wrap your ears around this month. Reviews from our wider CountryWide Media team.
Weed Salad with Orange Dressing
This is less of a recipe than it is an invitation to get outside and explore what edible weeds you might have in abundance in your garden. Weeds are high in antioxidants and each one offers support to the body in different ways. I love how eating weeds takes you outside into the garden, where you look and listen and reap nature’s abundance. Be careful to eat weeds you know are free from sprays and always double-check that you are picking the right weed.
Be in to win a Memories pampering experience from Linden Leaves
Be in to win a Memories pampering experience from Linden Leaves
A hidden gem
Settled amongst Martinborough’s sprawling vineyards and lush country gardens, Parehua Resort is the ultimate retreat to stay, relax, revitalise and explore.
House of welcome
After nearly eight years of closure, Timaru’s Aigantighe Art Gallery has reopened. The stunning heritage building has been restored to its former glory – a crowning jewel of the arts to delight visitors from far and wide.
Wānaka in a jar
Tineke-Maree Sutton is bottling up the best of Central Otago with her Taste of the Alps preserves, bringing flavour to your everyday dishes.
Toasting the sea
When Marlborough winemaker Matt Thomson finds time to sit around, the seat he’s most keen to occupy is one that wears a good lick of sea spray.
Reducing Risk
Did you know sunscreen needs to be applied 20 minutes before heading outside so it can absorb into skin and activate? Emma Shields offers an insight into what else you need to know when it comes to protecting yourself from the sun’s rays.
Explore my backyard
For Bron Kemp, the heart of Tairāwhiti lies in the deep connection to culture and community which you can experience through storytelling, local boutiques and cuisine.
Bull Shark Dive Snapshot
The dive team at Barefoot Kuata caters to a range of experience and abilities. There is a simple snorkel along the beautiful shallow coral reef directly in front of the resort, or at the other end of the scale, the ultimate sharky experience of a bull shark dive. It is this opportunity that lures the largest number of visitors to the island. Getting up front and personal with these magnificent animals is an incredible experience.
Strawberry, Tomato, Bocconcini & Basil Salad
I love recipes which contain few ingredients but yet taste utterly delicious and look equally as beautiful on a plate. This is one of them. Choose sweet ripe strawberries and cherry tomatoes as these will add extra flavour and sweetness.
All aboard!
Been toying with the idea of a cruise? Travel broker Suzie Wilson provides some insider hints and tips to ensure you get it right.
What's on: February and March 2025 highlights
A snapshot of events from around the country to inspire, inform and delight.
Herby BBQ Chicken with Noodles, Peanuts & Cucumber
The combination of herby green chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables and creamy coconut dressing is irresistible in this salad. My kids loved it so much they went back for thirds!
Managing perimenopause
Every woman will be affected by menopause in some way. Dr Pip Shirley explains how some of the more troublesome symptoms can be managed.
On the shelf
Known to read well into the night, our editorial team Lucinda Diack and Belinda O’Keefe have uncovered some fabulous new books this month. Happy reading.
Some-fin good happening in paradise
Two remote islands in Fiji’s Yasawa group show measurable benefits from harnessing tourism’s economic power to restore a vulnerable marine environment and support an equally vulnerable local population.
Be in to win one of two Mechi duo packs, valued at $99 each
Be in to win one of two Mechi duo packs, valued at $99 each
Mastering Cut Flowers
Displaying a vase or jar of home-grown flowers on the table is one of life’s greatest joys. We asked Akaroa’s Julia Atkinson-Dunn for tips on how to prolong the experience.
Explore My Backyard
Central Otago is a destination for every time of year. We talk to Arrowtown-based architect Anna-Marie Chin about her top places to go when exploring this beautiful slice of Aotearoa.
Picnic Style
With a passion for heading out locally and a love for quality picnic accessories, Susie Jamieson shares an insight into her top picks for exploring your backyard in style!
Wool in Summer?
Sustainable fashion advocate Charlotte Instone shares her top tips for incorporating wool into your summer wardrobe.
Shifting Focus
In the joyful season, more than ever, it’s important to find joy and protect your peace to get through the madness. Artist and mindfulness enthusiast Jen Sievers shares her Top 5 to survive.
Quality Eye Care
Dispensing optician Vanessa Cumming provides an insight into how to combat those tired, dry eyes.
Island Caretaker
The population of Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands is two. With her partner (the island’s caretaker), Natalie McCondach shares a snapshot into her way of life.
Listening Collection
Discover something new with our top picks of what to wrap your ears around this month. Reviews from our wider CountryWide Media team.
On the shelf
Summer is coming and that is excuse enough for us to spend hours in the sun on the deck with a good book. Here is what our team of reviewers – Lucinda Diack, Belinda O’Keefe and Luisa Osborne – have been poring through this month.
Happy hacking
A large proportion of horses kept in New Zealand are used for light work including hacking, pony club, low-level competitions and riding for pleasure. While workloads may not be high, nutrient requirements still need to be met and careful consideration is required to provide a balanced diet for what is often a much-loved family pet. Farmlands Equine Nutritionist Luisa Wood offers some expert advice.
The trekking treasures of Nepal
Nepal has no shortage of adventures. There are countless trails in the himal (mountains) or pahad (hills), some suited to hikers, trekkers and expeditioners while others are accessible to curious wanderers, offering a charming blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Plum & ginger chutney
Roasting this chutney in the oven means that you no longer have to slave over a hot pot. Instead, you can tend to other things as the plums, ginger and chilli slowly come together to form this rich, velvety chutney.
Mint & rose rocky road
This rocky road is as pretty as it is tasty. I had fun decorating mine with sprinkles that I found at Spotlight and rose petals from my garden that I dried especially for the occasion. I thought the colours worked so beautifully together. Have some fun and get creative when decorating yours!
My colourful world
Wellington commercial product and food producer Nikki Astwood takes us behind the scenes of her bold and intricately crafted still lifes.
Show & shine for a good cause
Hospice South Canterbury provides those with a terminal illness special care and support on their end-of-life journey; while at the same time supporting the wider family. One of their major annual fundraisers is the Caroline Bay Rock & Hop. We talk to Kim Rogers to find out more about this incredible event.
Chocolate, cranberry & cashew muesli
This recipe can easily be doubled to make twice as many Christmas gifts. Lovely packed into jars and tied with a ribbon and gift tag. Loved by teachers, uncles and aunts, and employers alike!
More than a gardener’s paradise
Tucked away in one of the eastern bays of the Banks Peninsula, Cornelia Holten and her family are quietly building a local herb farm treasure with a global reach.
A lifetime of memories
As Anthony (‘Tony’) Gibson and his family celebrated 60 years of his father’s company in September 2024, he reflected on the role a humble pickup truck played in its history.
Marvellous mistletoe
Traditional Christmas cards often feature sprigs of English mistletoe with white berries. Aotearoa’s native mistletoes are a much more spectacular sight at Christmas, lighting up southern beech forests with bright clusters of red, scarlet and yellow flowers.
Dreaming big
Only eight years old, Longbush Cottage garden in the Wairarapa has earned four stars from the New Zealand Gardens Trust, and has developed a reputation for bringing colour and gardening inspiration to the region.
Parmesan & chilli crackers
These crackers are incredibly morish and if you don’t watch out you’ll eat half the batch before they have even cooled down!
Cinnamon maple glazed nuts
These nuts are deliciously crunchy, cinnamon spiked and just sweet enough. If you like things a little spicy then add in a teaspoon of chilli flakes to the sugar mix.
What’s next?
Fertility delay is a frustrating and challenging time for all involved, and not just limited to those hoping to conceive for the first time. Dr Greg Phillipson offers some advice.
A mitey good spread
While many people dream about another life, this pair of Auckland food retail experts turned their idle thoughts into a breakfast spread, took it to market and now have a fast-growing food brand.
What's on: December and January 2025 highlights
A snapshot of events from around the country to inspire, inform and delight.
Bridged beauty
Beechwoods, a first-time entry into the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, is a story of second-time love after loss. The one-hectare country garden has a woodland with a stream spanned by three bridges, a Japanese garden, vege patch, and esplanade along the road front.
It’s not just food
Dr Lee Danks’ passion for pet nutrition and welfare is palpable. Thanks to Farmlands, we got to talk to him – as a veterinarian working in pet food research and development – about the importance of what we put in their bowls and how to hunt out the best foods.
Garden Calendar - October and November
October and November are busy times in the garden with spring blooms making themselves known and lots to plant to ensure a continuous supply of florals and delicious edibles in the months ahead.
Caring for cast iron
Kate and Levi Slavin have taken a ‘dying art form’ and given it a new lease of life with their cast-iron cookware collection.
Lessons in history
A trip to Britain is always a history lesson. Here, we visit some special and varied gems – from historic houses to the charming city of York, an Arts and Crafts architectural masterpiece and a wee Fife fishing village. If you want to experience where a queen slept, walk ancient city walls, or ‘decipher’ the Second World War, read on …
Recipe: Sausage, Caramelised Onion & Lemon Aioli Open Sandwich
The humble sausage in bread is elevated to new heights in this recipe. The staples – bread, sausage, onions, are all present to which I have added a lovely lemony aioli and zingy rocket leaves. Simple yet utterly delicious. Double, or even triple this recipe to feed an army.
A Restorative Sanctuary
A beautiful haven of peace, tranquillity and calm, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is a destination for those seeking stillness and a connection with culture. A Rotorua retreat awaiting to embrace you in its magic.
What's on: October and November highlights
A snapshot of events from around the country to inspire, inform and delight.
The best of both
Rātā Sidwell’s life in Pīkowai Valley has truly fulfilled her Little House on the Prairie aspirations.
Barbecue Beef Brisket with Coleslaw & Pickled Red Onion
This version of barbecue sauce is made without store-bought tomato sauce, which is replaced instead with canned tomatoes and extra spices. Brisket is a wonderful cut of meat and here it is slow-cooked in barbecue sauce until tender then thinly sliced and served piled into soft buns with coleslaw and pickled red onion.
On Foot
Part of the beauty of Aotearoa has to be our many walking tracks where we can step off the treadmill and enjoy a different route.
A Visual Feast
The fifth annual Sculpture Festival at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre features work by some of the country’s best artists; we talk to curator Koji Miyazaki about what to expect.
Recipe: Braised Potato & Spinach with Eggs
This is a simple, yet elegant dish. Onions, potatoes and spinach are gently braised in butter, before eggs, and a lemon and Parmesan cream are added in. It is one of those dishes that works for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is delicious served with some sourdough bread on the side.
Allergies & Gut Health
With summer just around the corner, we turned to Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Practitioner Sarah Vickers for some advice on allergies and how to keep them at bay.
Taking Care Down There
A Registered Nurse and Midwife for over 35 years, Frances Green notes a tendency for women to take unnecessary steps in the name of ‘cleanliness’. As she explains, educating yourself on your anatomy and its processes is a better bet.
On the shelf
Summer is coming and that is excuse enough for us to spend hours in the sun on the deck with a good book. Here is what our team of reviewers – Lucinda Diack, Belinda O’Keefe and Luisa Osborne – have been poring through this month.
Recipe: Rhubarb & Ginger Shrub
Shrub is a fruit syrup made using vinegar and sugar. The rhubarb in my garden is thriving at the moment and makes the most beautifully blushing pink drinks. Here it is combined with warming ginger which goes so wonderfully in this refreshing spring drink.
Beautifully useful
Finding that balance between rural living and corporate career has been a challenge many of us have encountered and navigated. For Sophie Hurley, it has culminated in a fashion brand that has grown beyond her wildest dreams.
Listening Collection
Discover something new with our top picks of what to wrap your ears around this month. Reviews from our wider CountryWide Media team.
Colour is back!
The sun is out so it is time to shed the layers and have a little more fun! While neutral looks are as popular as ever, colour is back in cosmetics and giving skin a refresh never goes out of style. Tracy O’Connor shares her must-haves to effortlessly welcome summer in style.
Recipe: Lemon Layer Cake
This cake is the prettiest shade of sunshine yellow and will impress guests with its lovely lemon flavour and not-too-sweet sour cream icing. Decorate with soft yellow or white flowers.
On the road
Kirianna and Lachlan Poole have built a successful life on the road, travelling the length of New Zealand, Australia and even Japan in their van – with three kids in tow! We get some expert advice on what different campsites in Aotearoa offer to set you up for your summertime adventures.
My colourful world ... with Catherine Robertson
Best known for her contemporary romantic comedies, bestselling Kiwi author Catherine Robertson works hard at crafting lively banter and fresh funny lines, with a colourful backdrop providing plenty of inspiration and fun to help fill the pages.
A sensory space for all
Two Christchurch businesses that played a huge part in Christchurch’s post-earthquake regeneration have teamed up to revitalise part of the city’s red zone.
A native haven
The goal of building a retreat for people from all walks of life to share their views was overtaken by a plan to afforest a large chunk of hilly land west of Auckland.
Still Loving What They Do: Rob and Mary Ann Burrows
Rob and Mary Ann Burrows were looking for their dream hill block when they sold their 275-hectare flat family farm Beechwood in Culverden nine years ago. While on the hunt, the couple thought the small holding of eight hectares on Marshmans Road in Ashley would do them for the time being. They now describe it as their forever home.
On the shelf
This issue we turned to our favourite booksellers for their picks on what to read this month – Sara Shand from Emmas at Oxford and Millie Blackwell from Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop. And they didn’t disappoint! We can’t wait to get reading.
Cheers to Spring
Christchurch foodie and lover of all fine wines and delectable cocktails, Tom Newfield, inspires us to try something new in our favourite cocktail glass as he raises a toast to the vibrant flavours of spring.
Pioneering luxury
Travelling 300 days a year, Geoffrey Kent is a veritable expert on the world’s top travel destinations. Here are his top picks to visit …
Fashion for the earth
Describing her clothing brand, Jessica Flora, as a love letter to Mother Earth, Jess Beachen is on a mission to make clothes that the fair lady herself would be proud to wear. We talk about sustainable fashion and what it means to her.
Improve your sleep
There are a number of other dietary and lifestyle recommendations that can improve the way we sleep.
Supporting a healthy lymphatic system
Shaz Andrew, Naturopath and Holistic Nutritionist from Hana shares seven ways of supporting a healthy lymphatic system.
Tinkering with tools & tyres
A lifelong passion for V8s led to Julian Cameron fulfilling his dream pastime of building his treasured Ford 1966 MKII GT40.
Best seat with Simon Richardson
When Dunedin artist Simon Richardson starts talking about his best seat – a sleek chrome wire affair – it seems like he’s misunderstood the brief.
The stage is set
Abby France and Catherine Bygate are the dynamic duo behind the iconic Hanmer Springs Fete – and now they are taking their success a step further with their inaugural Wānaka Fete. We talk to them about the inspiration behind these incredible events and the who, what, how of pulling a fete together.
Developing potential
Third-generation property developer Caroline Cooper-Dixon is a firm believer in finding what you love, and making a living from it. She talks to us about her journey, her learnings and her latest project – Rolleston Fields.
Life at new heights
To celebrate our second wedding anniversary and taking our business to another level with the purchase of NZ Life & Leisure, my husband and I celebrated with a bucket-list adventure by going up.
Recipe: Pear and Cardamom Shortcake
This cardamom-scented shortcake is absolutely delicious and is sure to be devoured by kids and adults alike. It is light and buttery and the cardamom in the shortcake batter pairs perfectly with the lemon-spiked pear filling.
Recipe: Spiced Tea
Easy to make and full of flavour, this tea makes a fantastic afternoon brew best enjoyed with something home-baked and in good company. It also makes a wonderful present. Mix up a batch or two now and come Christmas they will be full-bodied and ready for gifting.
Recipe: Spiced French Lentils
These French lentils make a hearty vegetarian dinner and are simple, yet utterly delicious. If you need an extra boost of greens stir in a cup of baby spinach at the end of cooking or serve with a handful of microgreens as garnish.
Recipe: Apple Crumble Pancakes
Granted these pancakes have a few steps to them, but prepare the batter and the crumble the night before and you’ll just have the pancakes to cook and apples to fry and pretty soon you’ve got breakfast fit for a queen!
Recipe: Brussels Sprout, Apple and Chilli Slaw
I love a good apple-spiked slaw and this one is taken to new heights with the addition of crunchy salted peanuts, black sesame seeds and red chilli. It makes a lovely big salad, perfect for wowing friends and family at your next potluck dinner.
Listening Collection
We asked our wider editorial team for their must-listens of the moment – enjoy adding them to your listening library!
No such thing as normal
Let’s stop using the word ‘normal’ to talk about women’s bodies. As a registered nurse and midwife, Frances Green has had a front-row seat to absolutely everything the female body can do. After 35 years of experience, she explains why there’s no such thing as ‘normal’.
Backyard chickens
Raising chickens is no longer limited to those in the country. Relatively low maintenance, they don’t require a lot of space and can supply a steady stream of delicious eggs, while making great pets. Dr Rob Derrick from Farmlands shares an insight into what you need to know when it comes to starting your own backyard flock.
Up the gardening path
Helping people successfully grow vegetables at home is a welcome new career for an experienced entrepreneur and event manager.
A spoonful of country … with Abby France
One of the greatest pleasures of country living is the peace and quiet it offers; along with the chorus of native birds, I find solace in the quiet moments that are increasingly rare in urban settings.
My colourful world … with Ness Dickie
Farmers, product designers and entrepreneurs Ben and Ness Dickie were a natural choice for our cover story this issue with their beautiful home and property in Waverley, Whanganui creating an enviable lifestyle. Here Ness shares an insight into her journey and love of colour.
A tapestry of feathers
Standing in front of a piece of art by Fiona Kerr Gedson is a captivating experience. Where at first glance they appear to be blocks of colour, a closer inspection reveals the texture and layers of the individual feathers that have been used to create them.
What's On: August and September highlights
A snapshot of events from around the country to inspire, inform and delight.
