Klaudia's Blog

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!

Be in to win a Le Creuset limited-edition 5-piece set, valued at $145

Be in to win a Le Creuset limited-edition 5-piece set, valued at $145

My colourful world

Wellington commercial product and food producer Nikki Astwood takes us behind the scenes of her bold and intricately crafted still lifes. 

Be in to win 1 of 2 Dermalogica Cleanse + Glow sets

Be in to win 1 of 2 Dermalogica Cleanse + Glow sets

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. 

Be in to win a Laura Tait artwork, Parisienne

Be in to win a Laura Tait artwork, Parisienne

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.   

Be in to win 1 of 3 George Street linen towel sets, valued at $329.75

Be in to win 1 of 3 George Street linen towel sets, valued at $329.75

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

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.