Lucinda's Blog

The couple finding a lifetime of peace in Hawke's Bay

A pair of serial entrepreneurs are right at home in the province where they were born.

A Motueka couple's long road to importing adorable Valais Blacknose sheep

They’re often mistaken for stuffed toys, but Valais Blacknose sheep are real and spreading their cuteness around New Zealand.

Recipe: Meatballs with Cinnamon Tomato Sauce & Orzo

Comfort food at its best.

The Farm Awaroa has become a haven with a purpose to heal

A patch of remote farmland in Abel Tasman helped two sisters take their first steps towards healing. Now, they’ve created a retreat for others to do the same

The bird of the century's Wānaka protectors

In 2023, the pūteketeke went global. This Central Otago project has been its biggest cheerleader far longer

One of NZ's most celebrated poets has a unique favourite seat

When Selina Tusitala Marsh wants to still her mind, she escapes into the arms of an ancient pōhutukawa.

What’s On: May and June highlights

Recipe: Ouzo Coffee

This after-dinner drink is a sophisticated way to end an evening meal.

Don’t kid around with goat welfare: How to best protect the goats on your block

Goats are intelligent, inquisitive, and social animals

Escape to paradise: Samanvaya Sidemen Resort offers a tranquil reset

Guests of this luxe Balinese resort are encouraged to fill their days with as much — or as little — as they please.

Eating with the eyes: How Resene colour influences NZ Life & Leisure’s food editor Emma Boyd

As the old adage goes, “The eyes eat first.”

What’s On: 2024 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: DREAM AWAKE

Be prepared to enter a spectacular dreamscape made from wearable art from around the world.

Recipe: Yoghurt Flatbread with Olives, Feta & Red Onion

Homemade bread studded with feta, red onions, olives and rosemary.

This 90-year-old Taihape garden is still in its horticultural prime

A garden designed in 1936 is showing its age — quite beautifully — in the hands of yet another generation of the same clan.

Bringing back the stars

Keeping the Wairarapa in the dark is a six-year mission for a resident and his band of like-minded enthusiasts.

The rise of the kunekune

Aotearoa’s beloved roly-poly piggies are making a big noise overseas – with good reason.

A man's journey to leadership through reconnecting to his roots

Hemi Sundgren's quest to reclaim identity and te reo Māori has put him in the roles of historian, artist and tribal leader.

Former Women’s Weekly editor publishes her first novel aged 85

With careers to date including a stint in a Melbourne nightclub and tripping the lights fantastic as an actress, why not a new late-life career?

Recipe: Peach Bellinis

This summery cocktail is often made with uncooked pureed fruit, but roasting the peaches develops their flavour and adds an extra sweetness.

How to make the most out of an eggplant haul

Nothing absorbs flavours like eggplant. Jenny Garing shares her tips to get the best out of this peculiar purple vegetable.

Going into retirement: Why a ‘zest for life’ is crucial

Answer this unusual question: What would you cross on an I-beam for?

What’s On: New Zealand Opera presents ‘Le comte Ory’

A crazy comedy of disguise, seduction and chaos

Recipe: Courgette, Currant & Pine Nut Salad

This salad is quick and easy to prepare, as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

A snapshot in time: Earliest known photographs of Aotearoa/New Zealand exhibited in new book

When the growing gets tough

As climate change impacts the supply of certain foods, it’s going to become increasingly important to rely on unlikely alternatives.

Piha’s community effort to resurrect their land

The Piha community rallies to plant native bush on slips caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The art of choosing a chicken breed

Six things you’ll need to consider to pick the right chooks for your coop.

The company marching into battle against cleaning product giants

Auckland start-up Cleanery is cleaning up the supermarket aisles, one sachet at a time.

A childhood fashion dream led to this Otago's woman's thriving sustainable coat company

An Otago woman’s quest to find the perfect locally made woollen coat turned into a sustainable fashion brand starring the wool from her own sheep

What’s On: Greytown Festival of Christmas

The happiest mid-winter festival in New Zealand returns.

Recommended Reading: Books by Aotearoa/New Zealand authors

Our resident bibliophile shares her thoughts on novels penned within our own shores

What's on: Fabric-a-Brac

If you love fabrics, textiles, or just finding a bargain, you'll find plenty of inspiration at Fabric-a-brac.

What’s On: East Auckland Eco Day 2024

Highlighting sustainable living from past to present

Rebecca Stewart: A No. 8 wire attitude

Rebecca knows that the No. 8 wire rule is a way of life.

Nicola Galloway: Apple Pie Smoothie

A autumnal dessert in a deliciously drinkable format.

Recipe: Ginger Cakes

This cake must, must, must be eaten fresh and warm from the oven.

The Whanganui couple gifting a historic fire station a new lease on life

A 1920s fire station has undergone a modern makeover in the hands of a Whanganui couple.

Recipe: Tomato, Spinach & Basil Rolled Eggplant

These rolled eggplants are a delicious starter on their own or can do double-duty as a side.

What’s On: Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Swan Lake

One of the most beloved and timeless ballets is set to tour Aotearoa

The Golden Bay orchard dedicated to finding the perfect feijoa

Nigel Ritson has spent the last 35 years breeding feijoas, searching for the perfect fruit.

Keeping the egg shortage from your block

The egg shortage has shown just how important homegrown eggs are. So how do you keep them coming?

The view from the top of the Seaward Kaikōura Range is worth the climb

The remote beauty of the Seaward Kaikōura Range allows for the avid climber to trek through historical footsteps.

Recipe: A picture-perfect (but veggie-packed) garden cake

This garden cake celebrates any of the fruits and vegetables that are in season or lying around.

Prepare the garden for the incoming cold this April

There's plenty to do in the height of autumn.

Ever heard of a chook tractor?

Chickens and gardens don’t normally mix, so it often comes down to a choice: do you fence the garden, fence the chooks, or allow them to thrive together?

The family and the heritage country house that were meant to find one another

An important historic home with 4.5 hectares of woodland grounds comes into the hands of new owners.

The curious structure of the honeybee world

Just as in human societies, a honeybee colony has its own structures, systems and ways of living.

Recipe: Lamb Biryani & Crunchy Filo Rosettes

Nothing takes me back home more than eating this delicious dish with its fragrant layers of saffron rice, fried onions and flavourful curry

Why nashi pears should be top of your list

Whether you add it to a fruit salad, or use it to tenderise your steak, nashi is a great addition to every garden and kitchen.

Nicola Galloway: Sourdough Hot Cross Buns

These hot cross buns, laden with complex flavours and subtle spices, require a little more TLC – but they're worth it.

The American sport quickly capturing Kiwi hearts

A full-time school principal and part-time pickleball player hopes his sport will become New Zealand’s next big thing.

Taking a shot on organic produce

Rhona MacKenzie’s life as a drinks manufacturer started when she bought a lemon.

DIY: Miniature Garden

Time to downsize! Create your own tiny landscape out of moss, flowers, twigs and foliage.

Recipe: Baklava Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Syrup

Nothing beats the flavours of a gorgeous baklava — think orange, saffron, honey and pistachios.

Hoop-jumping and council consents: Michael Andrew’s journey of building a home from scratch

NZ Lifestyle Block editor Michael Andrew writes about the essential yet tedious hoop-jumping business of council consents.

A couple "retiring" in delicious style

This oasis on the edge of the Kawarau Gorge has evolved over the decades into a retirement haven for the owners — although that doesn’t mean they’re slowing down.

Recipe: Cardamon Tiramisu

Tiramisu made traditionally with eggs is well worth the extra effort as it results in a silky, refined dessert.

What's On: March and April Highlights

There's a little something for everyone this March and April.

The Pumpkin episode four: The rise and appeal of homegrown milk

The Pumpkin, is our podcast devoted to homesteading and permaculture in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Outstanding medal-winning food and beverages to enjoy this year

We raise a glass, and a tasty morsel or two, to the winners of the 2024 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards

DIY: A pressed flower lantern to light up dark evenings

Candlelight and flowers — what could be prettier?

How to keep a fly invasion under control

Nelson Lebo shares his tips to stiffen defences with an effective yet affordable homemade fly trap.

The pest species with surprising benefits

The elder tree has been revered by human beings for millennia for its spiritual and medicinal applications.

Recipe: Lemon & Basil Gnocchi

Light and fluffy gnocchi, each little piece flavoured with lemon and basil.

A highly-coveted Holden and its nostalgic owner

A car purchased for fun and frolics has turned its owner into an accidental investor.

A spiced kasundi for using the last of the summer tomatoes

Nicola caps off tomato season with a hearty spiced chutney.

The Downward Journey: For the love of soil

Angela Clifford reflects on her almost two-decade journey into soil health.

The art of maintaining and containing rescue goats

There’s an art to keeping goats, and it usually involves a stupendous amount of fencing.

Hiking the Hexa: Footsteps through France

Hiking the Hexa is a tale of ups, downs and of going the distance... in one way or another.

Rebecca Stewart: To share with the birds

Sometimes late summer harvests are better shared.

A garden checklist for the first signs of autumn

Enjoy the final summer goodies and start to prepare for autumn.

The woman encouraging New Zealanders to eat more seaweed

A marketer has never felt anything like the excitement she feels for the humble weeds of the sea.

That peaceful easy feeling: A new era for Volkswagen vans

Up, up and away at a moment’s notice and in ultimate comfort is the happy option for today’s Volkswagen campervan owners

What’s On: Tony Ogle: A Retrospective

This milestone exhibition will mark 30 years of Ogle’s career in painting and printmaking.

Adding sheep to your lifestyle block

From tail length to preventing flystrike, make the welfare of your livestock a top priority.

What’s On: Ayrlies Plant Fair

If you haven’t explored Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands before, here is your opportunity.

All you need to know about alpaca skin disease

Underneath their fluffy fleeces, alpacas are prone to a range of skin conditions. But there are ways to treat them.

This couple's double life between Amsterdam and Ōakura

An entrepreneurial couple get the best of both worlds with back-to-back summers.

Polly Greeks: Becoming an angel

Polly’s natural capacity for empathy makes her an Angel.

Exploring Indonesia and Australia from the suite life of a luxury cruise ship

A couple explores the rugged beauty of Indonesia and Australia’s Northern Territory from a luxury cruise ship.

The luxury retreat lovingly restored by keen owners

A beautifully restored northern Wairarapa house, a seven-year labour of love for this much-travelled New Zealand couple, is now arms wide open to guests.

Four top-notch interior design tips for improving a stylish abode

It doesn't take a lot of time, cost or effort to elevate the beauty of your home, says interiors expert Tracy Hawker.

The trials and triumphs of the ultra-marathon

Queenstown's attractions led a new arrival towards the region to ultra running. It has become a voyage of self-discovery.

The duo protecting kororā in Kaiteriteri

As little penguins make the risky journey to and from their burrows, a couple from Kaiteriteri act as their guardians.

Recipe: Real Chocolate Eggs

Have some fun with your little ‘bunnies’ by teaching them to make homemade chocolate eggs.

Recipe: Quinoa-Stuffed Red Capsicums

These capsicums are first roasted, then stuffed with cherry tomatoes, feta and herby quinoa.

Five ways to handle old hens

What to consider when it’s time to retire old hens.

Thsese summery custard tarts are perfect picnic fare

Bite-sized, vanilla-scented and piled high with purple blueberries.

Cruising on the Otago Harbour

A wildlife cruise on the Otago Harbour with this keen skipper could likely turn the most resolute landlubber into an ocean bird obsessive.

8 plants to get through droughts

With water shortages becoming more common, here’s how you can keep your garden alive and thriving during the dry months.

Keeping up with the cucumbers

Harvest time can be demanding and hectic – especially when you get into a pickle with certain prolific vegetables.

An unexpectedly delicious method for making vegan bacon

Reduce waste by turning your banana skins into a vegan, sugar-free snack

Recipe: Blushing Rhubarb Syrup

This rhubarb syrup blushes the prettiest pink and adds flavour and colour to any drink.

A dreamy canvas getaway high in the Waitomo hills

After escaping inner-city stress for life on the farm, a Waitomo family is offering an oasis for those who wish to do the same.

A guide to garden arches

These versatile structures not only add a touch of elegance, but also provide a framework for climbing plants.

The Buick that crossed the Pacific

Purchased from a seller in Michigan, a dismantled vintage car makes an international journey.

Recipe: Blueberry Yoghurt Tart

Dot sweet blueberries on top of a gooey yoghurt filling.

A couple adopt a pair of inseparable rescue goats

The line between pet and farm animal can often get blurry – especially when you adopt from the SPCA.

The little libraries with a purpose

An Auckland woman finds a creative outlet that brings her joy and delights her community.

Nicola Galloway’s summer plum cobbler

Plum season is here, delivering its assortment in different shapes, sizes and flavours.

Recommended reading: Award-winning books worth their accolades

Our resident bibliophile dips into award-winning books from across the decades.

The Australian woman behind Aotea's gin

From advertising creative to gin distiller, Andi Ross exemplifies the liberating potential of a midlife career change.

Fire prevention, done by a New Zealand block expert

Some of the best and most cost-effective fire prevention experts can be found on many New Zealand rural properties.

What to do with a basket of apricots

Enchanted by the nostalgia of apricots, Jenny Garing shares some delectable recipes – including one passed down by her mother.

Dr Roderick Mulgan: Talking about chronic pain

New light is being shed on the type of pain that has no obvious cause, prompting hope for thousands.

Nicola Galloway's summer-worthy zucchini spaghetti

A simple yet delicious way to tackle a zucchini glut.

Rebecca Stewart: Homegrown Pergolas

Rebecca takes measures to ensure that their trees last a few more lifetimes.

A mudbrick home in Golden Bay inspired by Native American and Mediterranean styles

This Kiwi chef is living his dream to build an adobe earth house and develop a permaculture block.

Tips for mowing on a slope

In a country like New Zealand, seldom is a block owner blessed with a tabletop-flat piece of land.

The Bay of Plenty woman putting a fizz into kefir

The link between gut and mental health is a recent advance in medical knowledge. It sent a psychology student into a ferment.

A writer explores a tropical oasis

Rangiroa offers aquatic delights and a slice of France in the Pacific for those willing to take the plunge.

The Coromandel artist using colour to brighten up her gallery

After a challenging year for Coromandel, the Mercury Bay Art Escape is back to celebrate its natural and artistic wonders. Meet one of the exhibitors.

Rebecca Stewart: Following in the footsteps

Rebecca reflects on the struggles of those who lived on their block of land before her family.

Recipe: Baked Cheesecake with Rosewater Strawberries

A showstopping dessert topped with ruby-red strawberries and pomegranates.

One man’s return to his motoring roots results in a grand Triumph

A British sportscar fan, keen to recreate a marque he was involved in developing, nearly stumbles at the last hurdle.

Recipe: Pea & Mint Fritters with Caper Crème Fraîche

These fritters deliver a bold burst of flavour, especially when paired with a tangy accompaniment.

The inspiration behind a moveable coop

Andrea Graves checks out a moveable coop in action.

Keeping your canine companions cool and comfortable this summer

Have a happy and safe summer with your pets.

How kickboxing can provide more than just the workout

A young Auckland man finds solace in full-combat sport.

Polly Greeks: Let there be light

Electricity comes to Polly’s little section of Northland, and the lights — metaphorical and literal — go on.

The different sides to chicken fencing

The best ways to keep chickens in their run and out of the garden.

An avid reader finds endless comfort in her favourite seat

Claire Mabey’s favourite chair was saved from a life of destitution at the tip. It now serves as her faithful reading assistant.

What’s On: January and February activities

Kick off the new year with some excellent artistic ventures.

Common mistakes with pigs

All you need to know about what can, and does, go wrong with pigs.

Recipe: Lemon Pistachio Loaf

Add a little honey on top of this smooth loaf for the ultimate treat.

Keeping a cool house this summer

As heatwaves hit the country, make sure you're maintaining a cool temperature in your house.

The Food Farm reap the rewards of the coast

After a busy spring, it sometimes pays to take a break from the farm and head to the coast for its own unique bounty of kai.

Recipe: Golden Smoothie Bowl

Start a summer morning right with a refreshing smoothie bowl.

The delights of cherry season

Easy ways to turn the summer cherry glut into Christmas decadence.

The endless bounty of corn cobs

Few vegetables evoke sunny summer days more than crisp, sweet corn on the cob.

Homemade Christmas gift ideas

Shun the shops and reduce waste with these simple, handcrafted gifts.

A fresh start for a January garden

Start the new year with a thriving garden.

The glam Hamilton home hosting a lifetime memories for a young family

There’s never a dull moment in this striking family home built by an energetic Hamilton family — and that’s just the way they like it.

Why this local Greytown gin company is one to look out for

A gin, owned and made by locals in one of the country’s most go-ahead villages, is the first distilled beverage off the block.

Classic colours inspire portrait photographer Rachael McKenna

Portrait photographer Rachael McKenna finds inspiration in classic, muted shades.

What’s On: National Tweed Ride 2024

This cycling festival is all about the gin, with exercise playing second fiddle.

A houseboat and a tiny cabin straight out of the Shire

This jeweller and doctor duo from Poland might be the best ambassadors for tiny living.

Recipe: Chilli Jam Bacon & Egg Pie

Notch a picnic favourite up a level by adding soft herbs, chilli jam and red onion rings.

Helping you feel better while navigating cancer

New Zealand charity Look Good Feel Better helps people face cancer with confidence.

What’s On: The Mercury Bay Art Escape

Artists on the eastern Coromandel Peninsula are preparing to welcome art lovers to their studios and creative spaces.

Costume maker Donna Jefferis on dressing the part

The Head of Costume for the Royal New Zealand Ballet is one of the company's most valuable assets.

Alison Ballance's best seat has some stellar views

Natural history ace and active relaxer Alison Ballance’s favourite seat is a non-stationary affair.

How the Bostocks became New Zealand's organic powerhouse

The family at the forefront of large-scale organic food production takes us behind the scenes.

Q&A: Master caterer Tina Duncan' culinary wisdom

Renowned foodie Tina Duncan distils her 60 years of cooking (thus far) in a new cookbook.

Common mistakes with cattle

There’s more than meets the eye with these big, docile animals.

Recipe: Harissa & Almond Stuffed Rolled Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs stuffed with aromatic harissa, almond and apricot, rolled and wrapped in bacon, result in a succulent, full-flavoured festive showstopper.

Island Bay's marine conservation warriors are on a mission

A haven for marine species is also a place for schoolchildren to discover sea life.

All of the gardening jobs to get done this December

Summer is finally here meaning there's a lot to get done in the garden.

Nicola Galloway: Deliciously edible gifts for Christmas

Because nothing says Christmas cheer quite like chocolate.

A summer of berries on The Food Farm

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without fresh berries adorning the desserts on the table.

Rebecca Stewart: The hardwork reality of homegrown, handmade hazelnut biscuits

Rebecca cracks some hazelnuts and makes a delicious bikkie.

Getting your animals through an El Niño summer

Have you put things in place on your block to help your animals get through this period?

Six tips to improve nesting boxes

How you can provide clean, private and safe nesting boxes with plenty of material when your birds get the urge to lay.

Dr Roderick Mulgan: Fuel of the future

Hydrogen is tipped to tackle various energy crises, but is it really the reliable next-gen energy source it claims to be?

A writer explores Adelaide's artistic side

A stroll through the streets and galleries of Adelaide inspires a new way of looking at the city.

The perfectly imperfect science behind a homegrown wedding

It’s hard to get a wedding perfect, but according to a family who created a beautiful, rustic-themed celebration on their Nelson lifestyle block, it doesn’t need to be.

The giant pumpkin contest that revived a community

On a rural road near the north Auckland town of Helensville, a group of residents are fostering community spirit by reviving an annual giant pumpkin contest.

Finding calm at this Karitāne coastal haven

Modern-day guests are more coddled than the property’s first war-ravaged inhabitants but they’re still chasing good health.

Recipe: Slow-Roasted Vine Tomatoes

Kick off a celebratory meal with an easy yet impressive starter.

DIY: A sturdy outdoor sun lounger

Welcome sunny days by relaxing in this easy-to-make lounge chair.

7 ways to create abundant food

Rebecca Stewart explores the best ways to maximise food production on the block.

Nicola Galloway's summer-worthy scone recipe

Nicola harvests treasures from her own garden as well as her sister's to make this summer picnic-perfect afternoon tea.

Block bouquets: The unique foliage florists are clamouring for

While money doesn’t grow on trees, eucalyptus may be the exception.

Recommended reading: Books to take you on a walking journey

Meredith Hicks takes an amble with an armful of amiable book companions.

3 tramping tracks to check out this summer

New Zealand has no shortage of inexpensive adventures.

How to control kikuyu

It’s the undisputed bane of many blocks, smothering pastures and strangling gardens.

The joys of asparagus season

Easy and timeless ways to get the best out of your asparagus crop.

8 pretty Christmas tags to add to your gifts this year

Get these free, easy to print Christmas gift tags that you can customise for a homemade touch.

Don't waste your carrot tops

Green carrot tops (sometimes called carrot greens or carrot fronds) are full of flavour and nutrition and very easy to use.

Recipe: Garlic, Lime and Coriander rice

Jane Bellerby's zingy side perfect for any savoury dish.

Permaculture paradise in coastal Waikato

In coastal Waikato, two enthusiasts are channelling resilience and innovation to create a hub of permaculture, arts and spirituality.

Recipe: Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate & Raspberry Loaf

This loaf makes a fantastic breakfast, lunch box filler or afternoon snack.

How to render fat

You can use fresh or frozen fat when rendering.

Nicola Galloway: Broad Bean, Avocado and Feta Dip

Nicola welcomes broad bean season with a delicious spring snack.

Late-spring gardening tips and tasks this for month

Summer is on the horizon, so best to get your warm-weather produce blooming.

Recipe: New Potato Salad with Crispy Chorizo, Olives, Green Beans & Lemon Mayo

Chock-full of good stuff, this salad is a potluck winner.

Farming jobs for November

With summer approaching, it's important to take action on the farm now.

Recipe: Smash Burgers with the Best Burger Sauce

This is the only way to make burger patties.

This farm has a passion for pulses

In celebration of legume season, Angela Clifford shares the ins and outs of growing these fantastic crops.

Rebecca Stewart: Living with the seasons

Rebecca reflects on the changes that come each day on the farm during a new season's approach

Recipe: Mushroom & Caramelised Onion Paté

Earthy mushrooms combine with sweet, caramelised onions to make a moreish dip.

What’s On: Wishbone-Nanza Pet Food Voucher Giveaway

Amid rising pet food costs, be in to win a 1.8kg bag of cat or dog food for just $1.

An American and a Scotsman make a home in a slice of Tasman paradise

A picturesque patch of land in the Tasman region near Nelson grows in beauty and usefulness thanks to two expat kaitiakitanga.

Scoop’d: Where to find the best ice cream and gelato around New Zealand this summer

You've got all summer to make your way through the best ice creams the country has to offer.

Social connection at the heart of this Christchurch retirement village

A leading innovator in retirement living, the Qestral corporation creates conditions for flourishing social connections in its newest village.

The Westport woman putting an award-winning twist on the classic Kiwi pie

Her business has outgrown its original pandemic-proof online-only model into bricks and mortar retail, with a commercial kitchen and 17 staff.

A Christmas gift guide for both indoor and outdoor adventure lovers

Gifts that excel in design, utility and the joy of using them.

How a Lake Ōhau couple built a treasure-packed barn from ashes

A phoenix arising from the destruction of fire is a perfect metaphor for the new home of a family who lost everything in the 2020 Lake Ōhau fires.

Recipe: Sauerkraut with Spring Onion, Radish, Chilli & Ginger

A staple sauerkraut loosely inspired by kimchi.

Recipe: Moroccan Preserved Lemons

When you have an abundance of lemons, preserve them in salt and add a versatile burst of flavour to many dishes all year round.

A guide to treasure hunting with contemporary fibre artist Fleur Woods

There are endless creative adventures to discover in an opshop.

How to prevent a backyard feather pecker

Feather pecking can be a problematic and mysterious behaviour, but there are ways to avoid it.

6 ways to create a survival garden

A “survival garden” can thrive perpetually with minimal inputs, conserving your time and energy.

Recipe: Keto Christmas Cake

Embrace the festive season with this keto take on a Christmas staple.

Martini magic: The key elements to making a truly excellent gin martini

The gin experts at Blackwell & Sons answer our pressing questions on martini-making

Four New Zealanders reflect on the treasured pavlova

Because as a group of New Zealand writers and creatives discovered, we all have a pavlova tale to tell.

The number one tree in the permaculture handbook

Tagasaste grows fast, fixes nitrogen, feeds bees and stock, withstands extreme storms and droughts, and helps other seedlings grow.

Recipe: Apple Mint Kombucha

A refreshing summery kombucha that can be turned into delicious ice blocks.

7 ideas for eco-friendly gift wrap

Skip the traditional gift wrap this year with these easy, minimal wrapping ideas.

Nicola Galloway: Flash-Cooked Asparagus and One-Jar Aioli

Nicola makes the most of the short and sweet asparagus season.

Why strawberry season is a favourite on The Food Farm

For Angela Clifford and her family, living on The Food Farm has been about appreciating the wonders of food and nature. Strawberries have been a key part of the journey.

Recipe: Ethiopian Carrot and Peanut Soup

This warming, nutritious soup is cheap, cheerful and easy to make.

Recipe: Honey Roasted kūmara

Grant Allen shares his roast kūmara recipe, which is topped with dollops of a sour cream dressing.

Our art director explores the Routeburn Track

A group of friends pull on their tramping boots, fill a bag with anti-inflammatories and celebrate a 70th birthday in style.

The classic American candy taking Christchuch by storm

One woman’s bid to replicate the old-fashioned nut brittle of her American youth has landed her a faithful Kiwi following.

The vibrant versatility of carrots

There’s not much you can’t do with this beloved orange vegetable.

Nicola Galloway: Slow-Roasted Hazelnut Milk

Nicola talks about the importance of shopping local and the deliciousness that comes with it.

Down in the woods: A Raglan cabin houses handmade artisanal talent

A family used to living in far-flung countries has now returned to this 40-hectare Raglan lifestyle block, where their entrepreneurial natures have free reign.

Recipe: Kiwi Red Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

A wholesome salad that combines good-for-you greens with nutty quinoa and a zesty dressing, perfect with roasted game.

Maintaining the land on Blue Duck Station

A peek inside daily life on one of the country's most environmentally significant stations.

Nicola Galloway: Whole-Egg Lemon Honey

Our resident food blogger Nicola Galloway has penned a lemon honey recipe that bucks tradition — using whole eggs and actual honey as sweetener.

This Grapefruit & Campari Sour is fit for a celebration

This cheerfully coloured aperitivo is the ideal appetite-sharpener.

Have your say: The editorial future of 'NZ Lifestyle Block'

Take a quick 10 minutes to weigh in on the future of 'NZ Lifestyle Block'

The Piha man bringing athletes to peak performance

A strong sense of place gives mind-body coach Dave Wood a grounded foundation.

The brilliantly blue Lotus that took a whole lot of heart to restore

Blue was how the owner of this roadster felt in the middle of the car's significant overhaul. But now he's much sunnier.

The rare cattle breed that narrowly escaped extinction

Have you heard of the Enderby Island cattle?

Why kānuka is finally getting the spotlight

A new study on eczema treatment has started a conversation about the potential value of kānuka on private land.

Recipe: Italian Lemon Yoghurt Cake

Adding Limoncello to the syrup makes this cake ultra-decadent.

Rebecca Stewart: Nature will do what nature does

Each garden has different friends and foes, writes Rebecca.

New Zealand’s top cheese stores for 2023 have been crowned

From bustling supermarkets to cosy rural delis

A checklist for a successful October garden

Time to make the most of the slowly-warming weather.

Gut-soothing herbs and home concoctions

For when bloating, belching or heartburn are getting you down.

Polly Greeks: The magic of aliveness

What’s the secret to ageing well? Polly may have found it.

When chicken feed ain’t chicken feed

With global supply chain woes now affecting feed prices, poultry owners may need to get creative to keep costs down.

Two friends are creating a buzz with their ancient tipple

A honey obsession led a Canterbury beekeeper and his childhood friend to create an unorthodox golden libation picking up plenty of glittering gongs.

Recipe: Slow Roasted Lamb with Black Olives and Red Onion

Take roast lamb to new heights with a black olive, red onion and date crust.

The Northland homestead going viral with their cast of animal friends

From a small farm in Northland, a young couple have amassed a huge Instagram following by sharing down-to-earth content about their new rural life.

Why this Wellington man collects watches

Watches are worn for more reasons than timekeeping. Meet a collector who finds meaning in the ticking of a hand.

Spring inspiration for using up a garden lemon glut

How to take advantage of the abundance of spring lemons.

Katikati Garden Ramble: Up the Garden Path

Get out and about into the fresh air and see some of the best gardens the region has to offer

Recipe: Keto Sticky Asian Pork Belly

Serve this moreish sticky pork with rice or greens.

Recipe: Ham & Cheese Scrolls

A keto-friendly take on a bakery classic.

The Bay of Plenty ginkgo growers

While foraging ginkgo might be relatively easy, growing the trees for their nuts is notoriously difficult and expensive

A book-lover's walk through Dunedin

Follow this wandering bibliophile as he takes you on a personal journey of search and discovery.

The science behind the benefits of psychedelics

A favourable spotlight is being shone on psychedelic substances after decades of suppression. Why?

Forest foraging sees nature, art and cuisine collide for this Danish artist

Gathering ingredients from the bush is an art for this Scandinavian-born creative.

Searching for summer on the Sunshine Coast

After a summer without sun, a journey to Australia’s Sunshine Coast supplies a dose of the good stuff.

Recipe: Limoncello Spritz

Limoncello mixed with Prosecco and soda water, garnished with a sprig of honey-spiked rosemary — sunshine in a glass.

Why truffles could be a lifestyle block goldmine

With truffles worth up to $3,500 per kilogram, they could be the perfect money-maker for block owners with unproductive land.

What’s On: NZ Sculpture OnShore

Embrace sunnier spring days at the country’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.

How this Central Otago farm is mastering the art of prepping

They’re often viewed as extreme fanatics training for social collapse. But in light of recent events, are preppers just practising common sense?

Why you need to plant aloe vera this spring

It may seem too early to begin using this after-sun remedy, but now is the time to start growing the medicinal plant.

Why people love or hate the ginkgo nut

It’s infamous for the assaulting odour of its fruit, but the majestic and ancient ginkgo tree can be a forager’s shrine if properly understood.

Recommended reading: Books for making a fresh start

Find inspiration for seeking new beginnings in one (or all) of these five reads.

The many pros of supporting the local grain economy

Why purchasing from other local growers will help your community food systems become as sufficient and diverse as possible.

Recipe: Turkish Leek Fritters

Even the kids will eat their leeks with this one.

The woman foraging her world from her Kāpiti Coast home

Collecting materials from the land is a way of life for one woman with a passion for sustainable, healthy living.

Nicola Galloway: The underrated delight of magnolia petals

Did you know you can eat magnolia petals? Nicola demonstrates two delicious (and pretty) ways to do so.

What’s On: (m)Orpheus

Don't miss this reimagining of Gluck’s dance opera masterpiece Orpheus and Eurydice.

And the winners of the NZ Ice Cream and Gelato Awards are....

From boutique stores to commercial ventures, ice creameries from around the country have taken out the top gongs at this year's awards.

Tips for September garden success

Spring is finally here. Now the garden fun begins.

Four tips for a bee-friendly lawn

The best ways to attract valuable pollinators to your lifestyle block.

Handle with Care: Your responsibilities as an animal owner

Make sure any animal husbandry procedures are carried out by people with the right skills and care, to ensure animal wellbeing.

The community behind the preservation of a key scientific reserve

Waikanae Estuary Care Group volunteers have spent nearly 20 years protecting the area where the river meets the ocean.

Lazy loaf: The ultimate no-knead bread

Because nobody has time for kneading.

Tohutohu tao kai (Recipe): He pihikete whetū (Star biscuits)

Learning a little more te reo Māori just got easier (and more delicious).

Rebecca Stewart: All creatures great and small

Spring is here, and with it comes many livestock considerations.

What's On: Our September and October highlights

Events across the motu to bookmark this spring.

What’s On: Cyclorama 2023

One of the country’s largest e-bike celebrations returns this spring.

Meet the woman behind the best café in New Zealand

A Motueka café was recently named Best Café in New Zealand. Its creator wonders how it all happened.

Q&A with writer and stylist Tracey Strange Watts

The writer and stylist chooses Resene paints to colour her Titirangi home among the trees

Recipe: Ginger-Macerated Orange Salad with Brown Sugar Vanilla Labneh

An easy yet surprisingly sophisticated dessert that can be adapted to any soft fruit.

A 60s icon gets a clean, green makeover

Volkswagen's journey to green energy just got groovier.

Keeping the oceans blue: A day in the life of a marine ranger

A day in the life of ranger Marie Everth involves wearing four hats — scientist, enforcement officer, advocate and educator.

View from the top: Dwayne Rennie finds inspiration in his environment

Lake Ōhau inspires Dwayne Rennie to get out with his camera, day and night

Common mistakes sheep-owners make

Sheep are some of the most popular lifestyle block animals, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t prone to problems.

Recipe: Greek Yoghurt with Granola, Fresh Fruit, Honey and Cinnamon

Making your own granola is always worth it.

Recipe: Indulgent white wine butter mussels with French fries

A deliciously indulgent take on a European classic.

Advice from a tree farmer

There are two types of trees: the ones you want to shelter, feed, protect, and warm you, and the trees you need to plant first.

Recipe: The Best Vegetarian Lasagne

Although lasagne recipes can be fiddly, there is a reason this cheesy delight is called ‘the best’.

Recipe: Tomato & Garlic Confit Soup with a Cheese Toastie

There is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of soup with some carbs on the side.

Grab a scoop: NZ ice cream and gelato award-winners announced for 2023

Award-winning designer Tracy Grant Lord in her element

Whether a touring opera or recounting a story over coffee... she always sets the scene.

Recipe: Premium Game Pulled Wild Goat Shoulder on Rye

Thick slices of rye bread support this tender, slow-cooked goat shoulder.

The catch with predator control

New research suggests predator control may need to be far more coordinated.

The 10 key principles of the Mediterranean diet

The ins-and-outs of one of the most popular culinary lifestyles in the world.

Recipe: Whitestone Cheese Windsor Blue Dip

The ultimate starter for the cheese-lovers in your life.

Six tips for when you’re laid low on your block

When illness and injury strikes, it can leave many critical duties up in the air.

DIY: Seed-Raising Tray

Have some pallets lying around? Transform them into a practical hub for your seeds to grow.

Recipe: Pastel de Pastor (Mexican-Style Shepherd's Pie)

When it’s cold outside, we always crave a shepherd’s pie — but with a bit of extra kick, right?

Nicola Galloway: Chocolate Almond Butter

Nicola makes her version of a decadent classic - chocolate spread.

An artist finds a unique way to rebuild her home after an earthquake

An artistic spark and a commitment to recycling helped Belinda Paton turn the ruins of her home into a creative sanctuary.

An expert's eye on firewood harvesting and storage

The ins-and-outs of keeping the best firewood for your homestead.

What's On: National Poetry Day 2023

Don't miss this annual celebration of the written and spoken word.

What’s On: ÉMILIE by Sophie Lindsay

Experience the NZ premiere of ÉMILIE at Auckland’s Q Theatre.

Recipe: Two delicious warming hot sauces

It's always helpful to have a couple of hot sauces on hand.

Recipe: Passionfruit Lamingtons

A modern, zingy take on the iconic Kiwi bakery treat.

Why eggs come in different colours

Pink, brown, green and blue – what is the science behind different eggshell colours?

Recipe: Fried Kina on Toast

Al Brown reimagines the classic kaimoana.

Eight herbs for your first aid cabinet

From battlefield balms to itchy-skin ointments, your garden has everything you need to make a handy first aid kit.

Recipe: Larb-Stuffed Kūmara with Crispy Shallots & Sticky Rice

Larb is traditionally made with ground meat, but this version uses tofu, and stuffing the larb into roasted whole kūmara makes it a filling main.

The couple bringing this historic Carterton home and garden into the modern era

One of the country’s leading gardens is entering a new phase in the hands of a Wellington lawyer and his design-focused partner.

Recipe: Cilbir Eggs with Curry Leaves & Saffron Yoghurt

The combination of creamy yoghurt, spiced butter and runny yolks is simple yet oh-so satisfying.

A food farm expert on the wonders of Jersey milk season

There’s a lot to be grateful for in August, but at The Food Farm the new season’s Jersey milk is the main event.

Dunedin cook Alby Hailes on mastering good vibes

We talk to Great Kiwi Bake Off champion Alby Hailes about his latest cookbook, Good Vibes.

Recipe: Lime, Apple & Poppy Seed Cake with Caramelised Coconut Topping

This cake is best served on the day of baking, but is still very delicious on all the days after.

The Wānaka clothing thrifter in love with slow fashion

An obsession with pre-loved fashion has set serial thrift-er Lydia Bishop on her feet.

The most helpful trees for the best hedge

For shelter and privacy, you can’t go past a good hedge. But as Hel Loader writes, some trees are better suited to the task than others.

How to make a spring tablescape fit for a celebration

Dress your table to the nines and celebrate the arrival of spring with a high tea, long luncheon or dinner party.

Explore the sleepy Cambodian town that produces world-renowned pepper

New Zealanders Jon Lambert and Freya Horder are doing what they can to protect Cambodian pepper farms against European encroachment.

For the love of the leek

While the leek is celebrated and valued overseas, it's often underrated in traditional New Zealand cuisine. Here’s how you can give it the respect it deserves.

Nicola Galloway: Warming breakfasts for chilly mornings

Nicola Galloway shares her go-to porridge recipe, as well as a delicious grab-and-go breakfast snack

Adding calves to your lifestyle block

Here are the relevant requirements to help you provide the best care for these animals.

Eight jobs to help your garden thrive in August

Getting through the end of winter means prepping for spring now.

Rebecca Stewart: The Good Life

Rebecca reflects on the joys of her homestead life and learnings.

Should you put a ring on your pig?

Most of us have only ever seen pigs with nose rings, but is it the best option?

A Gisborne family bringing eco-friendly wool to the masses

The market for strong wool has been in decline for decades. A family with 120-plus years in the trade is determined to reverse the fibre’s fortunes.

Two Blenheim brothers are changing the world of game

An award-winning peak-to-plate business run by two Marlborough brothers turns pests into prized cuisine, providing healthy protein for gourmets.

Q&A: Building your immunity with Dr Roderick Mulgan

Dr Mulgan has a particular interest in how lifestyle choices affect wellbeing.

Gordon Collier's latest gardening masterpiece

Pushing close to four score and 10 isn’t deterring this horticultural legend from developing a third significant garden.

Recipe: Mussels with Turmeric & Ginger Coconut Broth

Turmeric root provides a delicious earthy flavour; ginger adds warming heat in this aromatic broth.

Getting your livestock through winter

How to help your cattle and sheep get through the cold months.

Nicola Galloway: Mandarin & beetroot slaw

Zingy citrus flavours brighten winter days and this delicious slaw.

How a vintage Beetle became one wife's great Christmas surprise

Don’t be fooled by the mild-mannered exterior of Alan Bekhuis’ 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.

Do you know the 'three sisters'?

They may grow into a tangled mess, but planting these “three sisters” together can yield an abundance of nutritious, storable food.

Polly Greeks: A winter's tale

After a rubbish summer, Polly falls in love with winter all over again.

Recipe: Pete’s Natural Currant Crush Cocktail

A blackcurrant spritzer described as “tasting like childhood” gets a grown-up twist with the addition of white spirits.

Dr Roderick Mulgan: Returning to the wild

Rewilding — or letting nature take care of itself — is a progressive approach to conservation.

11 mid-winter tasks for your garden

The frost may be settling, but that doesn't mean that the gardening takes a pause.

The Otago glamping haven hidden under tussocks

What was once a rocky outcrop used by shepherds is now the site of an off-grid retreat.

Recipe: Jam and Cream Doughnuts

Another old-school bakery vibe classic, but done so much better!

8 secrets to growing trees

The ins-and-outs from a tree farmer.

'Feed the stars': A feast suited to Matariki celebrations

The Food Farm celebrate Matariki with an offering of food to the stars.

Rebecca Stewart: The beautiful simplicity in a bare fridge

Rebecca Stewart reflects on how the need to have a full fridge falls away when growing to eat.

Common mistakes alpaca-owners make

They might seem like easy-going fluff-faces, but alpacas require more care and attention than many owners realise.

Warming winter drinks to heat up cold days

No coffee? No problem. Opt for one of these soothing winter concoctions instead.

What’s on: Our July and August highlights

Some of our favourite arts, music and theatre experiences happening across the motu this season.

Five tips for first-time lambing

With lifestyle block sales booming over the last two years, there’ll undoubtedly be some green sheep owners nervously facing their first-ever lambing.

In defense of the mighty cabbage

It may have a reputation for its limp texture and rank odour, but cabbage is a punchy superfood if prepared the right way.

The pineapple people of Northland

With a few hand tools and a love of growing, a Northland family has created a thriving plantation and sowed the seeds for a burgeoning community.

The Christchurch family going nuts for sustainable plant mylk

A Christchurch family is grinding away at a fresh solution to the plastic waste caused by plant-milk containers.

Making its mark: This Otago luxury hunting lodge has a unique offering

A South Island high-country farm is attracting high-value international tourists thanks to its growing reputation.

We test drive the luxe new fully electrifed Lexus RZ

Luxury sparkles in the clear Central Otago air

Outstanding medal-winning food and beverages to enjoy this year

We raise a glass to those who grow and craft New Zealand’s outstanding food and beverage products

New horizons for Qestral retirement living communities

A series of new bespoke multi-storey homes have opened at its Nelson coastal view village

What’s On: Guy Needham: The Dani of Papua

This stunning photography exhibition offers a glimpse into a world a far cry from the one most of us are privvy to.

Make your own masa flour tortillas!

Growing your own maize makes this flour taste even more delicious.

How to make Edam cheese

Great Edam is lean, smooth and mellow, just how we'd all like to be.

A Sumner home with an unbeatable view

Undaunted by the pitfalls presented by a perilously steep slope, this Christchurch couple forged ahead anyway, seeing potential in the site — and that view.

Recipe: A Tiramisu Layer Cake fit for a celebration

Coffee and chocolate are the most delicious combination – add some booze and you can’t beat it.

4 unwanted visitors you might find in your coop

Sometimes the chicken coop can hold bad news.

Homemade herbal soothers for winter sniffles

Get on top of the seasonal croak with these common yet powerful garden herbs.

Recipe: Roasted Mushrooms with Prosciutto, Blue Cheese & Thyme

Little mouthfuls of joy that can be prepared in advance, ready to flash under the grill at the last moment.

This lush garden near Whanganui took 45 years to plant

She has the brains; he has the vision. Together, this couple has developed an extraordinary and surprising garden.

The delicious power of cauliflower

No boiling is needed – ever. How to get the best taste and texture from cauliflower.

The group protecting the Tamahunga Forest, one trap at a time

A community has rallied together to transform a corridor of forest north of Auckland.

How wiggly worms can help you assess soil health

One thing New Zealand isn’t short of is worms: the country has nearly 200 native earthworm species alone, although they mostly live in forests.

Eight Kiwi chefs reflect on the Edmonds legacy

Al Brown, Nadia Lim, Monique Fiso and more reflect on the role the iconic Edmonds cookbook had in their kitchens

Strength (in all areas) is the key to rowing success

Louise Storey’s role at Rowing New Zealand is to help the country's rowing elite cope with the pressure-cooker environment of high-performance sport.

Jack and Gill went up the Okitu Beach hill

A brother, his hard-working sister and their partners created a forest on a hillside above the Pacific Ocean.

A bug family's block life in Taranaki

Science, imagination, and sheer hard work have helped Aaron and Melissa Jacobson grow their dream life on a hilltop block in Taranaki.

3 common ways to wreck winter pasture

Even professional farmers are guilty of doing these, and you pay the price for years.

Nicola Galloway: An abundance of persimmons

The underrated fruit with an abundance of delicious uses.

3 weeds to watch for in winter

Keep an eye out for these pesky plants.

Recipe: Beef Cheeks with Eggplant (& Coriander Salsa Verde)

Cooked the right way, beef cheeks are so sticky and full of meaty deliciousness.

Secrets to growing great organic garlic

Growing garlic is a six month commitment of time, space, and work.

This chairman never forgets the legacies of those who came before him

Bayden Barber’s path to a significant tribal leadership role was inevitable, given the influence of his elders on his upbringing.

Tips for first-time pig owners

What you need to know if you've ever considered owning pigs.

Your gardening checklist for June

Winter is here, and there are tasks galore to fulfil.

Rebecca Stewart: Bottling summer's sweetness

Digging, peeling, crushing and boiling yacon for a year of syrup.

Recipe: Dried Citrus Slices

Too much citrus? Dried citrus chips are delicious and store well.

How to launch a rat attack

Rats are clever, and controlling them takes a multi-pronged approach.

Polly Greeks: Itching for a solution

Zen has an explosive idea, while Polly festers with murderous intent.

Recipe: Green Pea & Orzo Soup

This delicious hearty green pea and orzo soup is perfect for lunches and dinners this winter.

Recipe: Green Thai Chicken Filos

Layers of crisp filo encase a creamy curry filling.

Why the feed you’re giving your livestock matters

It’s now even easier to supplement your animals’ diet with the highest quality feed through FeedSafeNZ.

Nicola Galloway: Caramel Baked Apples

Nicola makes the epitome of a cosy autumn dessert.

The inspiring power of walking every day

A committed group of walkers, clocking up an average of 3.3 kilometres a day, are noting the health benefits.

Recipe: Winter Greens with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Bitter, crunchy greens are an excellent foil to a risotto’s richness.

How to save thousands when you’re going off-grid

The beauty of going off-grid is no more power bills, but there are ways to save on the setup too.

Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Stack

This makes a great vegetarian evening meal.

Pluck of the Irish: An Otago winemaking legend's latest project

The man often referred to as the godfather of Central Otago wine is still chasing the perfect pinot well into his 80s.

9 things you need to know about combs

The appearance of a chicken’s comb can tell you a lot about how it's feeling.

Dinner party tips from author Sue Heazlewood

The author of A Table at Tangleby and A Table at Tangleby II talks to us about her love for her kitchen and garden.

The lifestyle block counsellors preventing burnout

“Permaculture is based on three ethics: earth care, people care and fair share.”

Recipe: Fig & Hazelnut Salami

Watch the people who usually decline dessert reach for another slice.

Dr Roderick Mulgan: Here we go again

Welcome to the brave new world of perpetual pandemics.

How to grow bigger meat birds using wholegrains

Adding wholegrains to chicken feed boosts meat production efficiency.

A foraged garden herb and wild weed pesto

Basil isn't the only key herb for a delicious green pesto - try finding unexpected edibles in the garden as well.

Bruce Topp’s British rogue is the perfect fit

The Jensen Interceptor was the dream of someone who wanted something a bit different. Bruce Topp is that someone.

4 things to know about good wood

Why size matters, why feeding technique is crucial, and other good wood tips.

A solid solution to eco-friendly dental hygiene

A Tītahi Bay start-up is bringing sustainable toothpaste to the masses, cancelling out plastic tubes in the process.

Legendary environmental activist's latest (tiny) project

Tiny forest plantings are gaining international momentum and being promoted by one of the country’s most enduring eco-warriors.

The best firewood trees, according to a forester

Eric Cairns has dedicated his life to growing trees. Here’s his advice for block owners who want to produce a good firewood supply.

5 mushrooms to forage in autumn

Wild mushroom foraging takes time and patience, but the reward of finding delicious edible fungi is priceless.

How colour drives this clever crafter

Crafting comes before housework in the dictionary, says this committed crafter

The power of the pumpkin

Pumpkins tend to be either soup or roasted, but they're also fabulous in scones and pie.

Recipe: Oven-Baked Risotto with Red Wine & Roasted Beetroot

A risotto designed for hosts who prefer not to stand at the stove — the oven does nearly all the work.

7 things to know about natural worm control

Many people prefer to use natural health strategies for their livestock, but there’s a lot of misinformation on what works, and what doesn't.

What happens after the pine trees go

Cleaning up the mess left behind after you harvest a stand of pine trees.

The journey of these rock stars from Te Hūpēnui

It takes a village to raise a child, and it turns out a village can also help four young growers in a time of disaster to start a community-minded business.

Collingwood is a treasure trove of sunny delights

The road to Tākaka is one of Tasman’s less travelled, and the road past that town to Collingwood even less so.

In search of summer: The QT Gold Coast

We took a tour around this groovy beachside accomodation that offers so much more than a standard Gold Coast hotel

DIY: How to make bunting fit for a King's coronation

This easy DIY bunting brightens up any room. It's fit for any King's coronation celebrations you may have coming up.

One Palmerston North butchery produces two champion-worthy products

Sustainability drives the butchery business of these patty-makers from Palmy.

Why the crayfish should be a celebrated cuisine

A passionate duo from Tora Bay is serving up kaimoana fit for king.

Nicola Galloway: How to make beetroot Kvass

A simple and straightforward beetroot fermentation technique results in a digestive aid full of healthy bacteria

This couple knows how to make the perfect soda

A berry good drink made from Nelson’s finest crops is also giving local growers a sweet deal.

Ten essential tasks for your May garden

Late autumn is the perfect time to get these tasks done.

Why this actor chose the life of a storyteller

The New Zealand Samoan actor credits high school teachers for allowing him to see acting was more than just a hobby

What's on: Wilson & Dorset pop-up

The Wanaka-based wool experts are bringing their gorgeous wares north for two weeks.

Why a generator should be at the top of your shopping list

The generator literally saved this Esk Valley family’s bacon for four weeks without power.

Rebecca Stewart: The rise of the pressure canner

This modern tool adds a new string to the self-sufficient homesteader's bow.

What’s On: Matt Payne at the Parnell Gallery

Lose yourself in these artworks showcasing some of the country's most picturesque scenic spots

Recipe: Pumpkin, Parmesan & Thyme Scones

If you struggle to get light, fluffy scones, this is the recipe for you – it always works.

A call to leadership took this wāhine back to the ahi kaa

With Taranaki Maunga physically at her back and spiritually guiding her, Paula Carr is contributing to her Ngāruahine iwi with innovative ideas and by connecting people.

The dazzling World of WearableArt 2023 returns

Immerse yourself in a creative spectacle like no other.

The Hollyford track combines adventure and luxury

Because is too short to struggle uphill for five hours on a track named for the devil himself

Weird science took this blue cheese to the next level

Whitestone Cheese struck gold when going deep into cheesemaking.

A sweet treat by a qualified gelato fanatic won the judges’ hearts

A boutique gelato business has scooped a win for its creamy dessert made without cream

Meet the champions of the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards…

The country's finest food producers have been crowned.

The Radon family are farming and crafting in paradise

Antonia and Mike Radon farm pāua, sheep and cattle, grow pearls, host visitors and sell jewellery to tourists in Whekenui Bay, Marlborough Sounds.

Recipe: Pinoli Lemon & Pine Nut Tart

The combination of lemon and pine nuts in this sweet tart is a classic.

Pinoli Pine Nuts crowned ONZFPA supreme champion

Results are in and congratulations are in order for the local growers.

Gorse: friend or foe?

People tend to have strong opinions about gorse, but there are two sides to this prickly plant, and Nelson Lebo has found a way to make peace with it.

DIY: How to make your own candles

Ready yourself for cosy winter evenings with this handy step-by-step guide

Recipe: A nourishing beetroot Borscht soup

This nourishing soup is packed with vegetables and pantry staples

A homegrown Mother's Day gift guide

How to light your (clean) fire

A good fire can be clean, if you get a few fundamentals right.

What’s On: An innovative app bringing history to life

We love any activity that combines history and exercise, so we’ll be downloading Ātea Nuku Timewalk Paihia.

3 signs of facial eczema in your livestock

Keep your livestock healthy this summer and autumn.

What is canoe slalom? It was the scariest thing this Kiwi ever did

Canoe slalom is not a sport for the faint-hearted. Paddlers must beat the clock, their opponents and, most challenging of all, turbulent water. One teenager is up for the run.

A Kaitake distillery never short of brilliant ideas

A rum maker’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to giving others a hand-up.

Recipe: Feijoa and Hempseed Cake

An indulgent way to enjoy feijoa season.

Recipe: Challah

A classic loaf best eaten on the day it's made.

Why Petra Galler calls herself a kitchen 'cowboy'

thisNZlife talks to the renowned pastry chef about her latest book.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

New research shows it’s probably because it was daring, but a bit dim.

Recipe: Butternut Cappellacci

A cosy yet gourmet autumn pasta dish.

Rebecca Stewart: The joys of an autumn evening

A walk through her land during an autumn evening sees Rebecca Stewart reflect on the work and reward of many years.

A Q&A with Nostrana author Bri DiMattina

We ask home gardener and trained chef Bri DiMattina about her colourful new cookbook.

Block inspiration: A beautifully-crafted chicken coop in Mexico

A practical, open air coop is also sculpture on a unique farm.

Recipe: Ruth Pretty's Easter Buns with Lemon Icing Drizzle

Please a crowd these holidays with buns packed with spices, dried apricots, raisins and sultanas.

Nicola Galloway: Time to sprout

With fresh produce prices higher than ever, is it time to return to good old sprouting?

The healing powers of a hiking holiday in the Canary Islands

A walking holiday on the island of La Palma reconnects two couples separated not by distance, but by mental illness.

Burnout: What it means and how to spot it

This fatigue is more than the sort we experience at the end of a demanding week.

A DIY guide to making a chic and sustainable shirt dress

Refashion three pre-loved T-shirts into shirt dress with this handy tutorial.

Recipe: Blood Orange Afghans with Smoked Chocolate Icing

This version of the popular Kiwi bikkie has a zesty twist.

Recipe: Uber Crispy Chicken with Fennel Slaw

Takeaways will be a thing of the past once you master this chicken.

The Trade Me find that resulted in this man's dream car

Guy Hilson can blame it on The Saint. The stylish and charming television character drove a sporty Volvo, so why shouldn't Guy?

Meet the block owners with 14 hectares dedicated to regeneration

This Bay of Plenty block is designed around improving the health of the planet.

Recipe: Smoked Chilli Kūmara Chips

Smoked chilli flakes are the secret ingredient for these delish chips.

The local makers who won big at this year's cheese awards

Brie, bocconcini, burrata and everything in between.

The Taranaki woman sharing her passion for parenting

Even as a pre-teen, this parenting expert knew what she’d do when she had children. And now she shares her knowledge with many others

Walking in the footsteps of Aussie history

Following the path of one of Australia’s most tragic historical journeys comes with insights and challenges.

In praise of the pomegranate

Why the beautiful, easy-to-grow, health-giving pomegranate deserves its place in the garden.

Recipe: Maman’s Fesenjoon

A festive dish for days when indulgence is the key.

Recipe: Savoy Slaw with Currants & Pine Nuts

This salad has the perfect level of crunch.

Dr Roderick Mulgan: John Snow's epidemiological legacy

A calculated guess by a doctor nearly two centuries ago continues to influence the world today.

Recipe: Pomegranate tabbouleh salad

Recipe: Zeytoon parvardeh

From rugby journo to lawn bowls aficionado

The sedate setting of a lawn bowls rink is a world away from rugby grounds.

How mise en place can help your place

A French cooking technique can help you get more done with less hassle on your block.

Seedlings and sowing: Your April gardening roster

It's time to sow new crops and encourage the last of the old ones.

Polly Greeks: An affliction of comparison

Polly turns to gratitude when infected with a dose of the “comparisons”.

The electric-operated Cromwell orchard changing the game

After proving he could run a cherry orchard without burning a single fossil fuel, Mike Casey is keen to move other growers towards electric tech.

The mystery of the lumpy lamb

A little lamb has a very big lump, and a mystery cause.

Ever heard of Esperanto?

A way with words has coloured the career of this Wellington polyglot.

6 warming recipes we'll be making this autumn

The season of cuddling up with a comforting dish is finally upon us.

Recipe: Spiced Pears & Figs in Red Wine

Easy to make in advance, the cooked pears can be chilled in the spiced red wine until just before serving.

Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards 2023: Congratulations to this year’s medal winners

It’s time to celebrate great New Zealand food products.

A writer explores a different side of Fiji travel

Far-removed from Fiji’s holiday hotspots, a trekking business owned by locals showcases remote villages, mountains and grasslands

Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Celebrate the last days of summer and whip up this homemade cobbler with fresh or preserved peaches.

Recipe: Pear & Prosecco Cocktails

Welcome guests at your next dinner party with this warming winter cocktail.

Recipe: Easy Oven-Baked Polenta

Love polenta but hate standing and stirring it over a hot stove? This hands-free method is the answer.

Nicola Galloway: Why autumn calls for sauerkraut and salt

Behind this unique home is a years-long childhood dream

An old railway carriage, named Primrose because of the flower’s association with love, renewal and optimism, has found a new home on a hillside overlooking the sea.

Recipe: Toasted Walnut & Blue Cheese Crostini

A light and creamy (yet moreish) snack.

5 of New Zealand's quaintest towns

Enjoy a slower pace of life in some of New Zealand’s quaintest towns and villages, where one-of-a-kind shops, pretty architecture and scenic adventures take centre stage.

Award-winning Northland salt is so good you only need a pinch

Seawater and sun are all James Moore needs to create his mineral-rich products.

4 things you might not know about hedgehogs

The critter has a pretty significant impact in New Zealand.

How to protect your flock from autumnal pests

Planning for common pest problems is crucial.

5 things to know about building a container house

A used shipping container has travelled the equivalent of a trip to the moon and back, and is still tough enough to become a dream house.

An expert's secret to the best dried fruit

When the harvest is big, but you’re not a fan of making jam or chomping fruit leathers, try this method for the perfect bite.

How this 1929 Model A Ford found its way home

Some people get socks for their birthday; the owner of this Model A Ford was gifted an automotive classic.

Dr Roderick Mulgan: No health justifications for bottled water

Water, water everywhere and far too much to drink…

From scheduling to supplements: 6 easy ways to improve sleep

For those struggling to drift off into slumberland, it's time to get back to basics.

Why you don't want an ostrich on your block

Treating unusual species is a regular occurrence for a lifestyle block vet, and this one had a big problem.

4 recipes to utilise your summer capsicum bounty

Turn a glut of capsicums into a selection of addictive spicy sauces that will add flavour to your meals all year.

Under the sea: Diving with sharks in Western Australia

Our art director heads out for a close encounter with the behemoths of Ningaloo Reef.

The secret behind this delicious liquid gold

A weekend hobby led a couple to create an award-winning range of drinking chocolates from minimal ingredients.

A beginner's guide to foraging in New Zealand

There are plenty of edible wild plant foods in the NZ countryside, if you know where to look and what to look for.

A luxe homewares showroom is now open in Christchurch

Trenzseater's newly refreshed and reimagined Christchurch showroom is finally here.

An inspiring maximalist expresses herself through colour

The colourful and ordered home of a university librarian belies the chaos of her insatiable curiosity and the challenge of discovering her tikanga.

What's on: A farming open day for families

Connect with local farmers and food producers at during this fun, family day out.

"We removed the cow": The high protein vegan jerky catering to flexitarians

Off-Piste founder Jade Gray says its products are 100 per cent plants, 45 per cent protein and zero per cent “BS”.

10 farm tasks to keep livestock healthy through autumn

Late summer showers can bring on a host of problems to keep in check.

Ngāti Kurī chair Harry Burkhardt is people-focused

With Ngāti Kurī and Swiss whakapapa, Henri Jacques Burkhardt, aka Harry, has come into his tribal leadership role occupying “grey spaces”.

Rebecca Stewart: Finding silver linings in the summer that wasn’t

In a chaotic corner of the garden battered by a cyclonic south-easterly, Rebecca Stewart reflects on future possibilities.

Why the tomato is this small-scale farmer’s greatest success

Angela Clifford shares wisdom from her family's organic, permaculture-based, self-sufficient small farm.

Recipe: Chocolate, Rosemary & Blueberry Cake

A no-fuss, easy-to-make, blueberry-chia seed jam fills this unique cake.

Why your cooked chicken may not be done

Research into home cooking chicken shows you need to dig deeper to ensure it's safe to eat.

Polly Greeks: An unwanted flatmate

“Stuff” moves in on Polly and Co, requiring a herculean effort (and a clipboard) to knock it into submission.

Step inside the secluded world of Lavericks Bay

Seven generations of one family have loved Lavericks Bay life, and now visitors can also enjoy the many charms of this secluded sheep farm.

6 nutrient-dense herbs to grow (or forage)

We hear a lot about nutritious superfoods but herbs pack a powerful punch too.

9 garden tasks for the autumnal weather ahead

Time for your garden to say hello to the cooler weather.

Golf-course design has taken this Kiwi all over the world

Kristine Kerr became the first female member in the history of the Australian Society of Golf Course Architects when inducted in 2010.

9 protein-packed treats for your chooks

Poultry need specific amino acids in protein to be healthy. Here are nine easy ways to enrich their diet.

Recipe: Celia’s Ciabatta

This classic loaf will always be a hit.

Recipe: Celia's Portuguese Chicken with Roast Lemons

A homely dish that can be enjoyed on warmer or colder nights.

DIY: How to make a garden cloche

A cloche provides protection for newly planted seedlings, keeping insects, pests and adverse weather at bay.

The hotel for your next luxe Queenstown getaway

The perfect location for a South Island sojourn or special occasion in five-star luxury sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

A practical pair build a home in Pahoia

He is good at building things; she is clever in the garden. The home and life they’ve built together are outward-focused, expansive and rewarding.

Turning junk into a curated home in Carterton

A house so leak-free it might pop if air were pumped into it delights its owners-designers, who smile every day at its light and effective footprint.

The regenerative track getting the royal treatment

What started as a retirement dream grew into a passion project to nurture and protect a native forest for future generations.

Recipe: Mixed Mushroom Ragù with Parmesan & Parsley Gremolata

Use a combination of mushrooms — from cute baby buttons to meaty portobellos.

This West Coast woman is finding the adventure in every day

Young mother Renee Cadigan is developing a self-sufficient life and teaching her boys valuable life skills at the same time.

A Kiwi diver shares the hard work behind the quick dive

Diving is a study in time and motion, breath-taking synchronicity of mind and body. The aim, as always, is perfection.

Be in to win one of three copies of Gordon Collier’s 3 Gardens, valued at $59.99 each

Be in to win one of three copies of Gordon Collier’s 3 Gardens, valued at $59.99 each.

Recipe: Blueberry Sorbet

Sorbet is a simple, healthier version of ice cream and works really well with berries.

8 tips for preserving herbs

Don't let that summer bounty of herbs go to waste.

How this couple made a perfect retro caravan road-ready

Hundreds of old-school caravans have been restored and returned to the roads in recent years. Each reflects the personality of its owner in a kaleidoscope of ways — and is infinitely interesting for it.

How to keep your worm farm healthy

Worm farming is one of the most rewarding ways of creating soil from food scraps and garden waste.

Be in to win one of three Foundry Chocolate prize packs, valued at $77 each

Be in to win one of three Foundry Chocolate prize packs, valued at $77 each

Recipe: A pomegranate-packed Mediterranean-inspired salad

A Mediterranean-inspired salad packed full of herbs and root veggies.

The yacht gracing Auckland's waters for nearly 90 years

One of the world’s largest one-day regatta fleets sets sail every Auckland Anniversary Day.

Recipe: Thick & Creamy Corn Chowder with a hint of Thai

This is a corn chowder like no other.

How do you practice regenerative agriculture strategies on a block?

Culture farmer Nelson Lebo shares the practical ways he uses it on his 5.1ha block near Whanganui.

Be in to win one of four tea-and-honey pairing gift boxes from J. Friend & Co, valued at $45 each

Be in to win one of four tea-and-honey pairing gift boxes from J. Friend & Co, valued at $45 each.

Be in to win a Resene room rejuvenation prize pack, valued at $700

Be in to win a Resene room rejuvenation prize pack, valued at $700.

Recipe: Savoury Breakfast Platter

This is a great breakfast combination for sharing.

Recipe: Gado Gado Baked Kūmara with Peanut Satay

This is an excellent fusion of a traditional baked kūmara and a lovely Indonesian dish.

Why summer can be a toxic time for your chickens

Poultry may instinctively stay away from toxic substances and plants, but they will eat them if they’re hungry, overly curious, or just make a mistake.

DIY: A beginner-friendly macramé plant holder

This macrame plant holder project is ideal for beginners - and your next rainy day.

Polly Greeks: On never getting a second dog...

One dog is fun; two dogs are a nightmare, wails Polly.

Why mushrooms are more useful in your garden than you think

A world of fungi is transforming the soil in this self-sufficient garden.

Is this succulent frame your next weekend project?

A small vertical garden in a picture frame is easy to make and looks amazing.

Dunedin Craft Distillers: From discarded bread to premium gin

Two Dunedin women found a clever and tasty solution to help combat food waste: they raise spirits from bread.

Recipe: Mulled-Wine Preserved Omega Plums

Pair these decadent poached plums with custard or ice cream.

The sunny side of bush life near the Forgotten World Highway

A backcountry hut along the Forgotten World Highway lights up thanks to the sun.

Design couple find work and life balance their resort-like home and office

Many hours of hard work have driven a designing couple to great career heights. It helps that they like each other — a lot.

Recipe: Pearl Couscous Salad

Make this crowd-pleasing, bring-a-plate salad in advance.

Recipe: Raspberry Lamington Cake

This lamington cake recipe takes the Kiwi baking classic to the next level.

Rebecca Stewart: Make tree hay while the sun shines

When wet weather makes traditional hay making a drama, Rebecca Stewart finds making tree fodder hay a much more enjoyable process.

Gardening after a flood: How to restore your soil and trees

Gardener and author Kate Wall shares the lessons she learnt restoring more than 150 flood damaged gardens in Brisbane in this special book extract.

4 common things that can go wrong with your ride-on

Ride-on mowers are easy to use, but they’re also sophisticated pieces of machinery.

From Auckland to chic off-grid living on a block near Taupō

Leaving Auckland for a bare Taupō block prompted a young couple to build an unfussy life from total scratch, savouring every moment.

Sonya Rimene on creating a strong foundation of identity, culture and reo

A strong public service background has given Sonya Rimene the experience, networks and relationships required to help influence Crown decision-makers to advance and support the aspirations of iwi/Māori.

Recipe: Blackberry Daiquiris

Celebrate a successful blackberry-foraging mission with these vibrant cocktails.

Past, present and future in the Art Deco capital

Thanks to exhibitions about the 1931 earthquake and the return of the city’s popular art deco festival, Napier continues to keep its past present and future.

9 spices and herbs that could (naturally) boost your mood

Adding herbs and spices lift a dish's taste and can help improve your mood.

DIY: Make floating citronella candles this summer

Perfume the air with heavenly scented floating candles while entertaining al fresco − and fend off bite-y bugs while you are at it.

Recipe: Spiced Chicken Skewers

If the weather turns sour, cook these spiced kebabs in the oven under the grill.

9 tasks for a healthy garden in February

Ensure all plants — mature or wee seedlings— are healthy in the height of summer and reap the rewards later.

The colourful world of maximalist Virginia Winder

More is more when it comes to handbags, hot sauce and living life to the max.

5 surprising things about ferrets in New Zealand

New Zealand has the largest known population of feral ferrets in the world.

Food tree riparian planting for flood response

Riparian planting is not exclusively for natives. Fencing off your water’s edge provides the opportunity for a wide range of productive plants.

How three Whakatāne invented mānuka honey-infused liquid sunshine

Mix some Māori boys with mānuka honey and sparkling water and the result is a young business showing effervescent results.

Improve your block's resistance to natural disasters

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing rural New Zealand. Here’s how simple planning and design can make your block more resilient to natural disasters.

How to build a straw bale home

The DIY straw bale home and food forest garden of Monika and Hermann Geister is their recipe for life, and a labour of love.

Picking your own 'slow flowers' in Matakana

An avid gardener has turned her passion for flowers into a unique block business that shares the love with everyone.

Badass biker babes take Nelson by storm

Around Nelson, off-road female friendships are born from a need for speed.

Recipe: Tropical Ice Cream Sandwiches

A deceptively easy dessert with cheat's ice cream and four-ingredient coconut biscuits.

Inside one of the most photographed cottages in Arrowtown

It’s loved by visitors to Arrowtown for its historic 1870s bones, but Stevenson’s Cottage is a portal to the halcyon days of this family’s 1980s youth.

Lucy Corry: Save the date

Make room in your calendar for nature’s sweetest treat.

5 types of bloat in baby ruminants

Anyone who raises lambs or goat kids will be familiar with the dreaded bloat. Here's how to treat the different types you may see.

A collector brightens her days with vintage décor and dresses

Despite managing a rare — and sometimes debilitating — illness, Natalie Robinson-Tantin is an active participant in a world she’s designed with living colour.

Inside a designer's 10sqm eco cabin in Central Otago

A Dunedin designer’s beautiful bespoke garments incorporate wild pest fur. No wonder Central Otago’s plentiful rabbits steer well clear of Jane Avery’s tiny Earnscleugh holiday cabin.

Choose the right grass to make your garden shine

Flowers are the bright and bold stars of a garden, but grasses are the frame that can make them sparkle.

Recipe: Plum, Blueberry and Walnut Tart

Scattered walnuts beneath the plums adds a lovely crunch to this tart.

Recipe: Avocado Caesar Salad in a Jar

Freshen up your next lunch or picnic with this simple salad-in-a-jar.

How to grow good corn (from a self-confessed corn addict)

There’s very sweet corn and then there’s good corn.

Inside Blair Somerville's world-famous Lost Gypsy caravan

His gallery is a Gypsy Caravan, he is possibly a gypsy himself, but Blair Somerville is far from lost in the world of fantastical art.

Prickly business: Growing finger limes in Gisborne

All the limes grown by this Gisborne family have prickly personalities but that doesn’t stop them from being in great demand.

On the BBQ: Sesame-Crusted Beef Fillet Steaks with Barbecued Zucchini and Chilli Butter

The difference between a good steak and a great steak is the marinade.

Rebecca Stewart: Fragrance of life

One can not live off food alone. Beauty, too, is sustenance for the soul.

Recipe: Harissa-baked Eggplant with Herby Lentil Salad

Tender baked eggplant pairs beautifully with a fresh, protein-packed summer salad.

Recipe: Lemon, Raspberry & Poppy Seed Friands

Pack these for a picnic, serve them for afternoon tea or enjoy them for dessert.

20 things to know when raising chickens for dinner

Here's how to grow a good-sized dinner and process it safely.

Recipe: No-Churn Strawberry & Fresh Mint Ice Cream

This is a cheat’s ice cream that uses condensed milk and whipped cream instead of a traditional custard base.

Inside a bach and matching tiny house at Waikawa Beach

Life in Aotearoa is celebrated in a bach and matching tiny house on the Horowhenua coast.

Explore a boat-turned-tiny house in Whanganui

Approaching a century old, the Iona lies high and dry on the eastern bank of the Whanganui River. Her working days may be behind her, but this beautiful fishing boat is far from washed up.

Recipe: Creamy Roast Capsicum, Sunflower & Feta Dip

Wait until you try this gorgeous (and very moreish) dip; it’s always a hit.

Hot tips for gardening this January

It's the month for watering, sowing and keeping the garden groomed.

An architect's not-so-bland bach at Bland Bay

The child of two cultures, Lyzadie Renault found that where she was born is not actually where she belongs. The journey to find her true place, however, has been unexpected.

Recipe: Cheesy Focaccia

Heavenly focaccia dotted with rosemary, fresh tomatoes and double-cream brie.

Why you should consider the gut health of your chickens

Probiotics can benefit your birds from birth, helping them to grow faster and preventing diseases.

Is it pampas or toetoe?

Those fluffy fronds on the side of the road may look pretty, but they are actually weeds.

Three recipes for an outstanding summer platter

Add these dips and pickled asparagus bites to your next summer platter.

Recipe: Brown Sugar Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote

Panna cotta is easy to make, can be made in advance and is very refreshing after a heavy meal.

Recipe: Elderflower Fritters (Pancakes)

A sweet and crispy way to enjoy your harvested elderflower.

A father's Jag-loving spirit lives on through a 1964 Jaguar Mk2

Karl Lagerfeld said of the Jag: ‘It’s an idea of beauty with no standard.' Scott Wood, who inherited one from his dad, has come to agree.

What to avoid when processing a chicken

A handy guide for when you find something gross.

The whimsical home, garden and art of Waiheke Island's mermaid

Daily swims and barefooted adventures lured this British couple to Aotearoa. When a siren call came a second time from across the sea, they followed — and never looked back.

Recipe: Roasted Beans with Toasted Seeds

A super-simple and super-delicious addition to your Christmas lunch.

Recipe: Barbecued Lamb Neck Fillet on a Rye Baguette

This recipe serves 4, but it's so good you'll want to eat it all yourself.

4 ways to fight mites on chickens

Oils and jellies that can prevent your chooks from getting mites.

Recipe: Hot Rainbow Chard Salad with Crispy Roasted Garlic Skins

A colourful and warm salad to enjoy for a light lunch, or as a delicious side.

A coop that's the epitome of summer-ready

When summer is really hot, a Tucson coop with the right angles is still a cool place.

Recipe: Confetti Salad

Chop, chop! Making this salad is a meditative task for busy minds.

From townies to goat cheese-makers

Seven years ago, David and Jennifer Rodrigue were townies, dreaming of the country. Today, they produce award-winning boutique cheeses and share their lives with a herd of happy princesses.

The W Trek: This 80km tramp through Patagonia is worth the climb

This five-day hiking adventure through a Patagonian paradise is wild, wonderful and undeniably world-class.

13 showstopping desserts for your Christmas table

Stumped on your Christmas centrepiece? Try one of these decadent treats.

How to make weaning go smoothly

When and how to safely wean young livestock.

Why a bed-and-breakfast was the first addition on this family's block

The man who created one of the toughest endurance races in NZ is enjoying a marathon clean-up and new challenges on his Rotorua block.

Lucy Corry: A year in delectable eats

Lucy Corry looks back on the year's culinary highlights: best recipes, best at-home achievements, and Wellington's (arguably) best pastry.

3 coastal spectacles to visit this summer

Sea stacks, limestone arches and caves are not a random quirk of nature but a result of New Zealand's unique and complex geological history.

A beginner’s guide to square-foot gardening

This grid-driven method of gardening encourages high yield in a small space — wasting not a smidgen of soil.

Recipe: Elote

This simple Mexican street food dish transforms basic BBQ corn cobs into a delicious delight.

DIY: How to make fairy light lanterns

Light up your backyard with these glowing orbs of twine.

How these Helensville entrepreneurs are reshaping their land with native trees

This couple had to rethink how to put two hectares to good use when their soil was deemed too unstable for a factory.

Raffles-inspired charm meets home comforts at new retirement complex

Burlington Village’s much-anticipated Pavilion combines a glamorous aesthetic with the hallmarks of every Qestral retirement facility.

Why we need odd crops to save our food

Genetically diverse crops, though inefficient economically, are like insurance when environmental changes or disease strikes.

Meet the plant-powered skincare ingredient found only in remote NZ

It’s no secret plants contain potent compounds for good health and skincare. But this skin-loving ingredient, derived from a native shrub, has remained hush-hush until only recently.

Recipe: Elderflower Marmalade

Elderflower cordial and lemons make a mean marmalade.

Recipe: Lemon Cake with White Chocolate Elderflower Ganache

A light and lovely cake perfect for morning tea.

Recipe: Jude’s Chocky Rocky Road

This gourmet version of a classic sweet makes a great homemade Christmas present.

How to grow great eggplants

Some people have dismal luck with eggplants, but warmth is the essence of a thriving crop.

Recipe: Roast Baby Vegetable & Ricotta Tart

By making the crust and veggies the day before, this stunning tart can be easily thrown together before a shared lunch or dinner.

Recipe: Pavlova Roulade with Apricot Curd & Grilled Stonefruit

Bursting with summer stonefruit and cream, a good roulade is a thing of beauty.

Rebecca Stewart: The flight of the bumblebee

The humble bumble is an adored (and necessary) friend in Rebecca's garden.

Recipe: Strawberry, Baby Basil & Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini

These canapés are little bursts of red, white and green.

How to forage, harvest and use elderflower

Large, lacy, creamy white clusters of elderberry flowers are a pretty sight and a delicious find.

Polly Greeks: On life and death

Polly shines her light on the cycle of life.

Recipe: Black Forest Cheesecake / Keke Tīhi Tiakarete Me Te Tieri

The chocolate biscuit base, a creamy chocolate centre and glossy boysenberry jelly will be a winner with your whānau.

Plants and green-thumbed friends help Lynda Hallinan's garden thrive

Two keen country gardeners share a friendly rivalry over flowers, foliage and finding ways to foil rabbits.

Two indigenous wāhine preserving their cultures

As part of her multimedia movement Nuku, journalist and author Qiane Matata-Sipu amplifies the voices of indigenous wāhine. Two women share their stories.

Why a Forgotten World adventure should be at the top of your bucket list

Explore 142 kilometres of once-abandoned railway with a front-row seat into New Zealand’s pioneering history.

How you can transform an old, cold country house

Transforming an old, cold home into one with a much greener footprint is a slow but satisfying, cost-effective DIY project.

Should you believe what a chicken 'expert' is telling you?

Navigate the plethora of suggestions and pick out what's right and wrong for your chooks.

Rhododendron lovers fill Kimbolton garden with rhodo trials, hybrids and more

An infatuation for genus Rhododendron keeps a park budding with rare shrubs, hybridization and thousands of blooms.

Recipe: Buffalo Yoghurt Cheesecake

If you love a rich, silky-smooth cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you.

Why David Trubridge's muse is Mother Nature herself

Many artists spend their entire lives searching for inspiration. But for David Trubridge, the natural world has everything he could need.

Lucy Corry: Tales of a failed allotment holder

At least Lucy Corry gave the marathon-like task a good go.

How to spruce up your end-of-year garden

The end of the year may be upon us, but there is still plenty to do.

Recipe: Lemon & Raspberry Zuccotto

Here’s a tangy, fruity take on the Italian classic, designed to keep the cook stress-free.

Sweet chestnuts are one of the secrets behind Poaka's cured meats

It’s no wonder Josh Hill’s pigs produce melt-in-the-mouth cured meats, feasting as they do on a diet of Canterbury sunshine and homegrown chestnuts.

Trapping lessons from the pest evangelists of Taupaki

From a lifestyle block in Taupaki, a dynamic couple is ridding the land of pests, one trap at a time.

Why Oliver Hoffmann has weeded every day for 30 years

An after-work weeding habit has grown into a 30-year retaliation against Auckland’s peskiest pests.

Recipe: Garden Green Hummus

This is a lovely way to sneak some more greens into your diet, especially if you have kids who aren’t so keen on salads.

Recipe: Strawberry, Ginger & Thyme Shrub

A beautiful, fizzy mocktail you can make with frozen or fresh strawberries.

Meet Naseby's multi-generational family of peony growers

An export peony business in Naseby delivers floral cheer to the likes of Hollywood royalty and familial riches to its multi-generational ranks.

Recipe: Curry Butter Snails with Spinach and Feta

Buttery filo snails filled with crumbled feta, paneer and spinach.

Is plasma the new gold standard for baby livestock?

Young livestock need antibodies for good immunity, but some miss out. Dr Sarah Clews outlines why they’re important, and a new option she offers.

How Crossfit gets Lana Whiunui through the ups and downs of life

When this athlete decided to ramp up her exercise regime, she never envisaged the impact a new sport would have on her physical and mental wellbeing.

Lucy Corry: The joy of not cooking

Can’t face the kitchen? Lucy Corry knows the feeling.

10 things you need to know about going off-grid

Is going off the grid the best decision? It can be a complicated question, especially if you’re already connected to the grid.

Recipe: Louise Slice (Keke Rahipere Me Te Kokonati)

The raspberry chia jam is a game-changer in this classic slice.

Moa bones, caves and velvet worms on a family farm in Waitomo

A spirited Waitomo clan have filled their lives with art and adventure, exploring every nook and cranny of their region and sharing some of its best bits with visitors.

How to make coffee liqueur at home

Make a smooth, rich coffee liqueur at home with only five ingredients.

Award-winning salmon farmers aim to rear happy fish in Akaroa Harbour

Akaroa Salmon wins NZ Life & Leisure's Spirit of NZ Award for its three decades of high-quality food production and careful stewardship of fish stock.

4 natural poultry ‘remedies’ that aren’t proven by science

A poultry specialist debunks myths about natural products for chicken health.

Recipe: Pineapple, Lime & Coconut Slab Cake

A tropical showstopper to whip up for a celebration or a crowd.

Recipe: End-of-Summer Chow Chow

Anything goes in this versatile chow cow, as long as you get the base right.

Recipe: Feijoa Ice Cream

Celebrate a feijoa glut by making this seasonally delicious ice cream — you'll make it year after year.

Recipe: Roast Pumpkin & Couscous Salad

Fresh mint, zesty lemon and salty feta complement this hearty pumpkin salad.

How to make your own beeswax wraps

Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to clingwrap to cover food and keep it fresh. They can be made at home easily using wax chips, pine rosin and a few household tools.

Recipe: Elderflower Cordial

This has to be the most divine cordial ever. I can never make enough of it. You just need a small amount in a glass topped up with water and you'll be in heaven. This is how one writer describes it.

The social determinants of good health

Delivering positive health outcomes is a wider social issue and not one that can be solved by doctors alone.

A conservatory and tiny house filled with tropical greenery

These two houseplant devotees find calmness and joy from decorating their spaces with flora.

Recipe: Lamb Skewers with Peanut Butter Baba Ganoush

Barbecued skewers should always be served with this outrageously good baba ganoush.

Recipe: Roasted Baby Carrots & Radishes

Impossibly cute, ridiculously easy, impressively tasty.

Making perfume the Victorian way in Wellington

Forester by training, teacher by career, Francesco van Eerd found his true calling distilling, blending and selling perfumes with fragrant Victorian flair.

Recipe: Spinach Crêpes with Creamy Mushrooms

Get your brunch on with plant-based creamy crêpes.

Rebecca Stewart: Winter’s final blast

Nature shows no mercy as it rips through Rebecca's homestead.

Ways to make your November garden flourish

The warming weather allows for plenty to do in your garden this month.

What’s On: Our November and December highlights

Plan your end-of-year activities accordingly.

Photo essay: In case you need another excuse to visit Stewart Island/Rakiura

A backcountry photographer captures the raw, natural beauty of New Zealand’s third largest island in his book, Rakiura.

Recipe: Rosemary & Cinnamon-Rubbed Lamb Chops

Bright baby beetroot glow like Christmas baubles in this simple all-in-one dish.

Father and son live large in a tiny home at Tai Tapu

Tiny-home living isn’t just for the green-minded. According to a Christchurch dad, it’s the perfect playground for a father and son.

7 ways to add spices and homemade curry blends to your diet

Spices provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals beyond polyphenols that affect health and wellbeing, including mental health.

Turning a clay pan into an extraordinary native garden

A lush garden in suburban Blenheim has sprung from crowbarred holes in a clay pan planted with native shrubs and trees. It’s taken Andrea and Pete Forrest two decades to create Moritaki.

10 dishes to put a spring in your step

Nothing beats fresh goods and the many dishes you can conjure up with them.

How to make a fairy garden in your backyard

Turn an ordinary pot into a whimsical wonderland for fairies — children will love it.

Lucy Corry: The joy of cooking other people’s recipes

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and even master foodie Lucy Corry takes inspiration from her favourites.

James Brown left early retirement to work for his iwi

Self-taught builder James Brown focused on his tribal leadership role while strengthening his community to withstand the challenges of treaty negotiations.

Recipe: Raspberry Chocolate Crumble Slice

If you can’t decide whether you want something fruity or chocolatey, this is a delicious solution.

Wairarapa chocolatier wins top accolade at NZ Chocolate Awards 2022

Take notes of this year's winners before buying your next chocolate box...

Recipe: Pea & Bacon Pies

These rustic-looking little parcels are excellent for picnics – portable, satisfying and delicious.

Recipe: Lemon, Almond & Thyme Bars

Use either lemon thyme or classic thyme for the pretty (and flavourful) garnish.

6 things to remember when growing tomatoes

If you're going for a fruitful tomato harvest, keep these six things in mind.

A respected broadcaster becomes a law-firm partner

A once-familiar face and voice across the nation, Linda Clark is now more likely to appear in court than on the television news, having swapped the world of journalism for the law.

How to find the perfect ride-on mower

They all mow grass, but there’s a science to finding the right one for your lawn.

Recipe: Fennel-Poached Salmon

This is a fool-proof way to cook salmon; the results can be eaten warm from the pan or cold.

The winners and losers of the homegrown flour trials

Can you grow and process good alternatives to wheat flour? Homesteader Rebecca Stewart shares the results of her tests, using only homegrown and foraged ingredients.

What to learn from dead chickens

In a large flock, a sudden death rate above 2% is of great concern. But it can be far more challenging for small flock owners when one dead hen equals a 10% death rate.

How to grow sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only pretty, but they are extremely useful - particularly if you own chickens.

Veggie growing tips: raising seedlings

Raising seedlings is a great way to save money when growing your own food.

How to look out for your sheep's pain cues

Sheep can’t speak, but you can learn to see what they're telling you.

Turning wool into a game-changer for the nappy industry

A new mum’s dissatisfaction with disposable nappies leads to the birth of a business.

8 recipes to make the most of asparagus season

Enjoy the brief joy of readily-available asparagus with these eight different dishes.

Recipe: Asparagus Rolls

Here's the "right" way to make an asparagus roll.

Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Halloumi, Mandarin Dressing & Honeyed Almonds

Asparagus and halloumi are a match made in heaven.

It took three generations to break this family's cream-liqueur curse

An infatuation with cream liqueur has resulted in a remarkable family saga — one starting with failure and ending in sweet, sweet victory.

Lucy Corry: How to say cheese and mean it

October is New Zealand Cheese Month. Lucy Corry gets some tips on how to make the most of it.

Recipe: Warm Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Salty chickpeas sing with sweet roasted cauliflower in this hearty vegetarian dish.

Recipe: Oat and Zucchini Pantry Cookies

Chances are you already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

Why you should grow lemongrass

This herb looks lovely as it moves in the breeze, is excellent in the kitchen and can be used to make a fragrant tea.

New Zealand's long and fascinating relationship with eels

Eels have had a tumultuous history in Aotearoa, from being a prized food source to being declared “public vermin'. Today, these slithery creatures are a source of immense pride.

A life — and home — designed around a vintage fleet of cars

Auckland’s Kawakawa Bay is home to a growing collection of notable classics.

Rebecca Stewart: The long and winding road

The road leading to Rebecca Stewart's homestead is rocky, unpredictable, and full of stories.

What to do in the garden this October

A productive summer garden is at your fingertips via a whole lot of prepping, sowing and planting.

Recipe: Kristina's Rhubarb "Roo" Bars

One bite, and like Kristina and her dad, you'll be forever in love with rhubarb.

Words of wisdom from the man behind this magical Upper Moutere garden

After 40-plus years of developing a large property, Michael Edwardes is beginning to recognize that he is more than okay at this gardening business.

How to improve your pasture for free

Deferred grazing is an easy way to rejuvenate pasture.

5 ways to cook with shiso

This herb is both easy to grow and a delicious addition to your cooking roster.

Don't headbutt a goat

Some goats have horns, some have none, and some fall in between.

Native plants to use for fodder

New Zealand plants didn't evolve for browsing ruminants, but there are a few that are beneficial fodder.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: No thanks, I’m not hungry

Lucy claims she’ll eat anything — except what’s on this list.

20+ tips for growing fat, sweet tomatoes

This gardener uses family-tested tomato growing techniques in an effort to rival her late mother’s unforgettable crop.

Recipe: Topsy-Turvy Rhubarb & Almond Cake

Make the most of the last of the rhubarb with this fragrant cake, perfect with a cup of coffee.

Lynda Hallinan embraces nature's stubbornness

‘I go to nature to be soothe and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more,’ wrote John Burroughs. Somewhere in Hunua, the owner of Foggydale Farm is rolling her eyes.

Dave Gibson becomes an e-bike convert — and thinks all Kiwis should too

A television and film producer moves south to be with his partner and practises semi-retirement by starting an e-bike festival.

5 ways to soak up the Marlborough Sounds in a day

There’s nothing quite like a mosey through Marlborough’s majestic sea-drowned valleys on a gloriously sunny day.

The lowdown on withholding periods for your chooks

Withholding periods – where you can’t eat the eggs or meat of poultry dosed with medication or drench – are often misunderstood and crucial for human health.

Recipe: Ginger Syrup

This ginger syrup is a staple that can be used in an abundance of delicious ways.

Lessons from a small-but-mighty block in Ohoka

With a block smaller than a hectare, this Ohoka couple have definitely spent 20 years making the most of their space.

What the best farmers do to manage their stock

What you can learn from NZ’s highest-performing sheep and beef farmers.

Mow your way to a lush spring lawn

Smart mowing can beauty your property and even control weeds, if you get the timing right.

Recipe: Banoffee Pie

One of the easiest desserts to whip up — and devour — in a flash.

Recipe: Milk & Cookies

A whisky-spiked, coffee-flavoured version of milk to pair with cookies.

Olympian Eliza McCartney's leaping for the stars

Pole vaulting requires energy, endurance, timing, technique, strength and control. According to Olympian Eliza McCartney, it’s also fun.

How to save precious hours on your lifestyle block

The most important resource on your lifestyle block is your time, so it's important to spend it wisely.

Recipe: Spring Salad of Quinoa, Green Lentils, Broad Beans, Lemon & Greens

This protein-packed salad is packed full of all the good stuff.

The must-have herb for your edible garden

This gorgeous herb can revolutionise the flavour of the simplest salad, and is a staple ingredient if you love Japanese and Korean dishes.

Lucy Corry: Making butter better

Lucy Corry has firm opinions on the softness of butter.

Recipe: Broccoli & Pumpkin-Seed Pesto Pasta

A cheesy, garlicky, herby pasta that makes the most of an entire head of broccoli, stalk and all.

DIY: How to make a willow wreath

Craft a pretty spring wreath from bendy stems.

How to grow the radishes of your dreams

Ruby-red or pearl-like, every kind of radish is a veggie patch necessity.

How to beat superworms

Why superworms are outsmarting drench & what to do about it.

The oldest-ever police graduate proves it's never too late to switch careers

It took Lynda Perry 40 years to realize her dream of joining the police, but it’s been worth the wait.

Rebecca Stewart: A time of new life

With spring on the homestead, Rebecca Stewart welcomes the cycle of life.

From apple orchard to art-filled arboretum

Five generations of the Blundell family have made their home at Riverhaven in Clevedon, south-east of Auckland, first as farmers, then orchardists, and now artists.

Recipe: Rhubarb, Orange & Cardamom Custard Tart

While technically a vegetable, rhubarb has found its match with sweet, wobbly custard.

The 10 most cost-effective edibles to grow

Food is the biggest household expense after accommodation, and the cost of it seems to be skyrocketing year after year, so what are the most high value things you can grow to save money?

A retiree turns a weed infestation into a bush track in Russell

A stroll a day keeps the weeds at bay along this walkway, created by two retirees in the Bay of Islands.

8 tips for growing and harvesting rocket

Rocket can be grown year-round, although the cooler temperatures in spring and autumn produce the best crops.

And the winners of the NZ Ice Cream and Gelato Awards are....

This year a gelato scooped up Supreme Boutique Champion title — the first time a gelato has taken out one of the top accolades.

Meet the oak-tree hunters of Aotearoa

A passionate group are hunting for Aotearoa’s most magnificent oak trees to make sure we can all share the love.

Lucy Corry: Underrated culinary goodness in Wellington

The capital’s annual culinary festival might be over, but there are still plenty of reasons to love Wellington’s food scene.

Why threats to bugs should be taken seriously

Insect numbers have declined shockingly in recent years. But perhaps the biggest problem is that most of the world doesn’t realize how alarming this is.

Recipe: Shaved Pumpkin, Pink Pickled Onions, Celery & Spinach Salad

This bright, punchy salad is an excellent counterpart to any heavy dish.

A competitive fisher is angling for more women to try fly fishing

Rachel McNae is playing a lead role in encouraging women to tie flies, step into their waders and go fishing.

Recipe: Crispy Tofu Soba Noodle Salad

A light vegetarian dish that's as breezy as it is delicious.

16 recipes that let winter veggies shine

Don't let the final days of winter prevent you from tasting all the season has to offer.

Your spring gardening checklist this September

Say goodbye to dreary winter days, and hello to a garden ready to bloom into spring.

Recipe: Lynda Hallinan's Marmalade Mulled Wine

The end-of-season abundance of citrus is ideal for this mulled wine.

Meet the creative couple behind Waiheke's largest mudbrick home

She is an artist, he has grand ideas; a couple so enamoured with bringing beauty to the world has transformed a Waiheke hillside into an earth-brick masterpiece.

Polly Greeks: A life lesson that stung

Seven-year-old Zendo gets lessons in courage, caution and comeuppance.

A couple creates a kiwi haven and bush walk on their farm

One couple’s work in making a kiwi-safe habitat near the Kaipara Harbour has grown into a project to create an ecological corridor so north island brown kiwi can move safely from coast to coast.

3 tasty ways to serve NZ halloumi

This squeaky, grillable cheese is even better when made right here in New Zealand.

Photo essay: Three Kiwi artisans shine at Uzbekistan’s colourful folk-art festival

The creative endeavours — goldwork, jewelry and flax-derived lace — of three Antipodean artisans shine brightly at Uzbekistan’s new folk-art festival.

DIY: How to make a tiered herb planter

Put your herbs on display with this pretty (and easy-to-make) three-tier planter.

Say hello to this year's tastiest NZ ice creams and gelatos

As if you needed an excuse to try out a new frozen treat...

How to curate your animal's first aid kit

How to create a first aid kit to get you through labour this spring.

Recipe: Chocolate Puddings with Smoked Salt

Chocolate lovers will adore this silky yet simple chocolate pudding.

How to give your chickens the feed they deserve

Want to know which chicken feed is best for your birds? Look for the FeedSafe NZ mark.

Going nuts for growing nuts

The Horwell’s are surrounded by nuts — the fresher, the better.

How this Kakanui craftsman is reviving the art of handmade goods

A craftsman working in stone, iron and wood channels his Celtic forebears and takes his time to make everything look just so.

Everything to know about colostrum

The very first drink your newborn animals have are the most important of their lives.

How to grow microgreens (PLUS how to avoid these common problems when growing them)

Easy to grow and nutritious, microgreens are a winter garden goer.

Lucy Corry: The most humble, sweetest vegetable of them all

Lucy Corry writes a love letter to kūmara.

This 1967 Mustang braved the high seas for the roadie life in Aotearoa

When a rare Mustang, based in Florida, catches the eye of an Auckland woman, she moves heaven and earth to park up the pony at home.

Should you raise guinea fowl?

It may be unsightly, slow-witted and produce an intolerable noise, but the guinea fowl is a useful addition to any lifestyle block.

Recipe: Backyard Grapefruit Spritzer

Pretend it's summer for a fleeting moment with this refreshing spritzer.

Recipe: Yolly's Lemon Slice

This quick, easy recipe is a great way to use up lots of lemons.

How to sprout, plant and grow kūmara and potatoes

Late winter or early spring is a great time to start sprouting kūmara and potatoes.

Recipe: Roasted Butternut & Orange Soup with Feta

Ordinary pumpkin can be substituted for butternut in this soup, depending on availability.

4 common issues with citrus (and how to avoid them)

The things that turn citrus bad can be pesky little buggers.

Rebecca Stewart: The hearth fires of home

Winter in Rebecca Stewart's off-grid bungalow means everyone's drawn to the crackling fireplace.

From beef farmer to earthworm warrior

There’s an art to the science of regenerative farming and it has turned this conventionally-trained farmer into an earthworm warrior.

A Hawke's Bay couple's marinated goat cheese wins again

Annie and Geoff Nieuwenhuis have their hands in the clouds and their hearts on the farm. The love for their goat cheese is so true, it earned them the title of 2022 Dairy Champion.

Recipe: Kūmara Bacon Fritters with Yoghurt Parsley Sauce

Kūmara and bacon were made for each other, and putting them together is quintessentially Kiwi.

How to hatch the best eggs

If you want happy, healthy chicks, it starts with choosing the best eggs.

The Bostock Brothers know what they're doing when it comes to chooks

Doing things differently is paying off — again — for a Hawke’s Bay chicken farm.

Potato growing basics PLUS how to grow potatoes in buckets

You don't need a large garden to grow potatoes. Try growing them in a bucket or a container.

Advice for aspiring lavender growers

The bigger the patch, the bigger the investment.

All about Meyer lemons PLUS lemon ice cream

Learn how to look after your citrus - and treat yourself with this yummy ice cream recipe.

Recipe: Blueberry and Apple Crumble Slice

Softness, fruit and crunch on top — this treat has everything one needs in a slice.

A couple falls totally in love with Naseby's slower pace of life

Two men, two dogs and 50-odd phones vie for space in a 19th-century Naseby mud-brick home.

Lucy Corry: A dog’s breakfast

Lucy Corry's furry friend gets a feast fit for a king.

Tips and tricks for your garden this August

The final days of winter are upon us, and with it comes flourishing daffodils and a list of tasks to keep you buzzing around the garden.

The Kiwi company changing the way we get rid of our gadgets

We throw out a mountain of electronics each year, but new recycling technology could help build a circular economy for more sustainable gadgets.

Recipe: Lemon & Coconut Delicious

This easy, dairy-free, and intensely lemony dessert whips up in a flash.

DIY: How to make flax (harakeke) placemats

Cook up a feast for family and friends, decorating the table with these flax placemats.

How to give homegrown onions a go

There's nothing sweeter than pulling up garden-fresh onions from the ground.

8 reasons why you should plant a hedgerow

A hedgerow is an old-fashioned way to feed yourself and your livestock, and create valuable habitat.

This sick little piggy stayed home — and survived

The fight to save teeny, tiny Sadie-Baby.

Polly Greeks' Blog: Guiding out of insanity

Polly attends to a relative. The truth can withstand any amount of scrutiny...

A Canterbury producer brings raw honeycomb to the masses

No two versions of this untouched honey will be the same — and that’s just how the makers like it. J. Friend & Co is the 2022 champion of the 'Earth' Category.

How to protect stock and property on lifestyle blocks

Missing, stolen or damaged property are significant problems in rural communities. Michael Van de Elzen and FMG’s lifestyle insurance specialist, Montana Kerr, discuss the best methods to keep lifestyle blocks secure.

7 Airbnb lessons from block owners in Rotorua

Nestled away on a Rotorua lifestyle block, Wildberry Cottage is a Scandinavian-inspired Airbnb that has taught Paul Charteris many lessons.

A cyclist finds simple pleasures in exploring Auckland on two wheels

An ordinary bike ride turns into an extraordinary lesson on living in the present.

Recipe: Orange & Cinnamon Tart

A warm, zesty dessert that your dinner party will eat in one go.

How Donna Ngaronoa Gardiner is helping future generations

Ngāti Ranginui chair Donna Ngaronoa Gardiner focuses her leadership on common iwi goals within Tauranga Moana so future generations can grow and strengthen their connections.

From chocolate hoarding to constructing a sweet empire in the Southern Lakes

An Argentinian couple built a chocolate business in the Southern Lakes out of a deep longing for the tastes of their childhood.

Lucy Corry: Mind your manners (please!)

Lucy Corry questions the age-old practice of table etiquette.

Recipe: Almond Cheesecake in a Jar

Once you try this delicious almond cheesecake, there's no going back.

Is my chick a male or female?

It is almost impossible to tell if a chick is male or female at hatching.

Family is Middlehurst Delivered's secret ingredient

The McDonald clan of Middlehurst Delivered is devoted to bringing a taste of their home to your place.

Plant these flowers in August for a blooming spring

A colourful garden may be synonymous with spring, but the planning starts in late winter.

How to preserve lemons

Preserving lemons requires lots of lemon juice so do it when you have a surplus of lemons on your tree, or they are in season and on special at your local shops.

This Gisborne orchard's award-winning orange juice is summer in a bottle

Squeezy does it for this family-owned Gisborne orchard, who took home the 2022 Drink Champion award for their orange juice.

Inside an otherworldly chicken coop that lights up over winter

This unusual coop is also a feature of the landscape at night.

Recipe: Homemade Kimchi

Forget about buying an overpriced jar at the supermarket. Homemade kimchi is easier than you think.

The ultimate guide to pruning your fruit trees

The good news is poor pruning is like a bad haircut – it will grow out.

Ruanui Station is a tight-knit family affair

Farming life is changing rapidly. But for this Rangitīkei family, the land still has an incredible tug.

Rebecca Stewart: Why small-scale sustainability is possible

It takes a village – until Rebecca Stewart suggests otherwise.

Tips for your best broccoli crop

Broccoli is in short supply in supermarkets - so why not try growing your own?

Lucy Corry’s Blog: 5 ways to get out of a winter food rut

Gloomy winter days can make anyone uninspired in the kitchen. Lucy Corry shares five tips to getting your creativity (and appetite) back.

Explore this glam hangar-home hybrid in mid-Canterbury

A pampered plane lets its devoted humans share its fancy hangar on a high-country station in mid-Canterbury.

Clayton McMillan on leading the Chiefs by example

Professional rugby isn’t only about what happens on match day; personal development is an essential part of the modern game.

Lynda Hallinan's teeny, treasure-filled cottage

Lynda Hallinan finds her happy place in a tiny house decorated with op-shop treasures, an abundance of plants and hues of green.

Recipe: Crispy Bacon and Pesto Potato Salad

Take this moreish dish to a potluck and someone will no doubt ask for the recipe.

Your mid-winter gardening checklist

July is an ideal time to keep tasks ticking along, from planting garlic to sprouting early seed potatoes.

Recipe: Mushroom-Glazed Rump Steak

Steak and mushrooms are a winning combo anytime. Michael Van de Elzen's take on them is the ultimate winter warmer.

6 highlights and hidden gems in South Westland

South Westland is epic in size and majestically beautiful. It’s also one of only three places on earth where tectonic plates collide above sea level.

A writer discovers 'omotenashi' on the road with Lexus

Surprises come in many forms in the newest, electrifying chapter for Lexus.

This film producer's favourite scene is his heritage villa in Hawke's Bay

Of all the far-flung places this couple has been — and film sets they’ve seen — a heritage villa in rural Hawke’s Bay is the showstopper that surpasses them all.

The Waikato trust creating space in sport for women

A Sport Waikato initiative is helping females of all ages to feel comfortable about their bodies and encouraging them to be active.

How to control rabbits and rats

It's the best time of year to start controlling two annoying pests, before they start breeding again in spring.

Why trees and fires make bad bedfellows

Trees are significant hazards on their own, but pair them with fire and you’ve got a potential disaster. Michael Van de Elzen and FMG’s Montana Kerr share their top tips to mitigate risks.

What’s On: Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough

New Zealand’s premier garden event is a springtime celebration of Marlborough’s stunning landscape.

How to make a crocheted lace beanie

An intermediate-level crochet project that is as pretty as it is practical.

What humans can learn from mushrooms

Mushroom enthusiast Alice Nicholls explores the mindset of a mushroom in her master's thesis titled 'How to Become a Mushroom'.

5 tips for growing bananas in your backyard

Banana plants grow widely across New Zealand and even where they can’t bear fruit, they have plenty of other uses.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: A matter of taste

Lucy Corry navigates a nasty bout of Covid-19 and the loss of her strongest senses – her taste and smell.

The winner of the 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards is...

A far-flung fishmonger takes top honours in the 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards.

The Chinese woman pushing for a multicultural approach to conservation

Estella Lee is inspiring Auckland’s Chinese community to become more involved in conservation.

Recipe: Coriander & Lime Pesto with Noodles and Greens

Coriander-lime pesto sings in this veggie noodle dish.

Recipe: Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Broccoli Pesto

Blessed are Aotearoa’s goat-cheese makers and goat milkers, for their products turn this rustic Italian dish (inspired by the great Marcella Hazan) into something extraordinary.

Recipe: Baked White Beans with Herbed Breadcrumbs

If you’re planning a warming winter dinner for people who don’t eat meat, this multi-textured bake is a great option, served with something green on the side.

Chasing snow and adventure in a 1979 Oxford caravan

Camping-mad Kiwis hit the road in all seasons. Wānaka-based Jay Smith says snow and adventure lure him and his family into their 1979 Oxford caravan even in the depths of winter.

Meet the champions of the 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards...

Producers of the country’s finest boutique foods recently put their best offerings before a panel of sharp-toothed judges looking for the most delicious in each category. Buying products displaying an ONZFPA medal logo is a guarantee of New Zealand-made quality and enjoyment.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Ice, ice baby

Too many frozen gel packs are giving Lucy Corry chills.

8 ways to give your fence a refresh

Good fences will only stay that way with regular maintenance.

The tropical wonders of Far North Queensland

Northern Queensland is the stage for an adventurous road trip between coastal treasures, a World Heritage rainforest and the cultural and geological wonders of the dry interior.

A beginner’s guide to breeding your dream sheep

A healthy, hardy, delicious flock comes down to one key choice.

From busy farm to a breezy seaside paradise

Christopher and Susanna Grace, both well-known in the farming and horseracing industries, downsized when they moved from their Hunterville farm to the Kāpiti Coast. But they continue to live as if just out of the starting gates.

From orchardist to organic vinegar maker

From organic apples to apple cider vinegar, an Ōtaki business has had a common-sense evolution. The progression from vinegar-maker father to daughter is just as logical.

This solar-powered coop spreads its wings daily

Looking for the perfect chicken coop design? You can find both inspiration and envy in this one.

What to do when your chook breaks a nail

It happens to all of us – here's how to deal with your chook losing a nail.

Recipe: Guinness Brownies with Baileys Buttercream

Guiness and Baileys sing in this elevated iteration of the classic brownie.

Why you should test your soil this autumn

You can pay for a professional soil test, or assess it yourself with some close observation.

The culinary journey of chef Monica Galetti

Monica Galetti’s tastes were awakened by the fresh fruit and seafood of Samoa, then sweetened on the processed delights of 1980s Wellington. Now one of Britain's leading chefs, she’s wowing visitors with a dash of Pacific passion at her London restaurant, Mere.

Recipe: Chicken Salad with Tomato Kasundi

This chicken dish is perfect for summer gatherings, plus the leftovers are just as delicious in a sandwich.

How to grow beautiful broad beans

Broad beans are an excellent crop for the cooler seasons when not much else will grow.

Stalking and saving the banded dotterel in Kaikōura

A Kaikōura couple finds their purpose in stalking — and saving — the banded dotterel. They’ve been winging it for seven years.

Freeze-dried honey: Spinning liquid gold into meringue-like chunks

Ancient trees and modern technology are a winning combination for Chatham Island apiculturists Kaai Silbery and Francesca Bonventre.

Prepare your farm for the colder months ahead

Before the winter chill settles in, make sure you and your farm are well-equipped with this handy checklist.

The gutsy little Fiat that could

It's been reworked, rebuilt, re-engineered and re-imagined, but this little car has retained its big heart.

10 tips for growing saffron

It’s worth as much as gold per gram, but fortunately it’s easy to grow.

3 exotic fruits to add to your garden this winter

Winter can be pretty quiet for fruit, but you can add something exotic to sweeten up the cold season.

Recipe: Mandarin, Almond & Chocolate Blitz Cake

Whole mandarins are blitzed into this tasty cake from Nadia: A Seasonal Journal — skin, pith and all.

Quick tips for your best-ever June garden

Sow, plant, and compost your way to a bountiful winter garden.

Rebecca Stewart’s Blog: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

When the to-do list grows, Rebecca Stewart turns to the world of secondhand – saving the planet one rescued tool at a time.

The top NZ cheeses of 2022

This year’s New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards recognise long-held favourites as well as newcomers among its 29 trophy recipients.

Volunteer calls companionship 'therapeutic as a drug'

A hospital volunteer discovers a good yarn can be as therapeutic as medicine — for patients and himself alike.

4 bugs you might see this winter

Some creepy crawlies might invade your home this winter, while others are accidental visitors.

Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards 2022: And the medal winners are...

It’s time to celebrate great New Zealand food products with the announcement of 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards medal winners.

Add the Coastal Arts Trail to your next road trip

A new arts trail, weaving through three neighbouring regions — Taranaki, Whanganui and the Manawatū — offers a cross-district road trip full of colour, characters and inspiration.

Life lessons from this fantastical garden at Lake Wakatipu

Thomas Schneider’s whimsical approach to significant issues results in a profusion of sculptures and statues, flowers and trees, animals and birds, and all critters — great and small.

Recipe: Chocolate Pots with Coffee-Banana Biscotti

The best thing about this dessert recipe? It can be as elaborate or as simple as you like.

Recipe: Mac and 3 Cheese

This comfort-food classic uses a mix of three cheeses — cheddar, gruyère and parmesan.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Books for cooks

Anyone for Nun’s Toast? Lucy Corry shares some of her favourite secondhand cookbooks.

Lynda Hallinan is all fired up for cooler weather

Lynda Hallinan looks forward to the 'ritual annual catharsis of combustion' every autumn.

Recipe: Date and Orange Scones

These fluffy scones are best served with homemade jam and lashings of whipped cream.

The dual life of Taranaki singer-songwriter VGB

This Taranaki singer-songwriter writes her own rules for thriving in Aotearoa’s competitive music scene.

500g of veggies go into each bag of this plant-based mince

Seeking a plant-based mince to serve at their café, a Whangārei couple came up with a just-add-water version that tastes as good as it looks.

Why clean water is the key to healthy birds

Water is the number one nutrient for poultry, and it's crucial to keep it clean.

Exploring the natural world with illustrator Ned Barraud

An illustrator and author gives children an insight into Aotearoa’s extraordinary natural world, from extinct monster birds to modern backyard beasts.

A doctor weighs in on plants vs meat

Should we eat animals? Many voices say food from plants is enough. So who is right? Dr Roderick Mulgan ponders the important questions.

4 things about firewood for a cosy winter

Knowing your hardwoods from your softwoods makes a big difference.

9 tasty wild-game and fish recipes

Make the most of your wild game and fish with these nine recipes.

Recipe: Rabbit, Leek & Mushroom Pie

This moreish pie can use rabbit or chicken, but is a sensation either way.

How to cook quail eggs and meat

Writer Sheryn Dean holds a controversial opinion — she thinks that quail eggs and meat are superior to chickens.

Recipe: Roast Venison Rack

A rack of venison is a true showstopper, and it’s easier to cook than you might think.

Recipe: Glazed Pheasant with Fragrant Basmati Rice

Pheasant is best with a simple glaze and hearty sauce.

Meet New Zealand's one and only Booktown

How to save a small rural town from decades of gradual decline? A cadre of art-world book-loving heavy-hitters are making a difference in Featherston.

Recipe: Mint Bounty Pistachio Slice

Three layers create a heavenly mouthful of minty, coconutty and chocolatey goodness.

The history of Haldon Station

One of New Zealand’s iconic high-country stations, the 22,000-hectare Haldon Station in the Mackenzie Country, stars in a new book tracing its history, owners, managers and staff.

Why cows burp less on a seaweed diet

A seaweed-rich diet may be the key to reducing burps in cattle.

Two ways to deter your cat from killing wildlife

Being a responsible cat owner also means protecting our native birds.

Piha local hero uses art to help young creatives

An environmental artist, dipping into her palette of life experiences, is painting a brighter future for young creatives in West Auckland. It’s her most powerful work yet.

Recipe: Salmon Pastry Parcel

This is an absolutely moreish take on fresh salmon.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Behind the scenes at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards

Lucy Corry's scored a pretty good gig — judging some of Aotearoa's best kai.

Recipe: Maggie Beer’s Pot Roasted Quinces

Enjoy these ruby-red beauties as a dessert or put them on breakfast cereal.

How to plant tulip and daffodil bulbs

Fancy a spring floral display that gardeners in Holland would be proud of? It’s time to plant tulip and daffodil bulbs for gorgeous spring bouquets.

How to make a cosy hot-water bottle cover

Give Jack Frost the cold shoulder with this easy-to-make ‘hottie’ coat made from recycled materials.

Recipe: Ruth Pretty's Apple Crumble Cake

This classic crowd-pleaser is all about the harmony between warm spices and granny smiths.

Recipe: Jerusalem Artichoke Tarte Tatin

Impress dinner guests with this simple yet timeless artichoke dish and homemade dressing.

6 trees to plant for great firewood

If you’re planning to plant trees this winter, here are six good options that make excellent firewood.

Rebecca Stewart's Blog: Living our best life

The beauty and hardship of self-sufficiency makes living off the land better than material wealth, writes Rebecca Stewart.

Why you should never hug or kiss a chicken

They’re delightful little creatures, but you need to be careful about how you share the love.

How Greytown's Mr and Mrs Blackwell fell in love with village life

A couple so in love with their picturesque village can’t help but come up with ideas to make it even better.

Recipe: Sumac-Roasted Chickpeas

These are a crunchy alternative to chips and nuts. Nibble on them with pre-dinner drinks or toss through a salad.

10 great trees for a multipurpose woodlot

A good woodlot is for generations to come, so think about harvesting while you’re planting.

An ancient drink gets a plant-based twist

Take an ancient, fermented drink, then add a whole lot of coconuts and billions of beneficial bacteria. A Raglan business has hit on a winning recipe.

May gardening tasks for your best-ever winter garden

Dreaming of some fat homegrown cauliflower? Plant this crop (and many others) now and reap the rewards later.

Recipe: Feijoa & Mascarpone Ice Cream

Nothing says autumn like a homemade, feijoa-rippled treat.

DIY: Make this easy, felt-ball trivet

Protect your table and benchtops from hot pots and pans with this colourful trivet. Time to felt up and get rolling!

Chooks and cancer: What to look out for

Long-time poultry writer Sue Clarke answers your queries on poultry health.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Egging you on

Chocolate eggs are all very well, but Lucy Corry prefers the real deal.

16+ tips for spray-free weed control on a block

Spraying weeds is easy, but it turns out organic methods can give you the same results if you do it right. Here are 16 practical ways to control weeds without using chemicals.

Meet Wellington's all-electric turquoise ferry

There’s a new player in Wellington Harbour cruising alongside the familiar red tugboats and lumbering Interislander ferries.

Why scientists need your flood photos

Climate change means more floods, and finding new ways to cope.

Polly Greeks' Blog: Puppy ponderings

Despite vowing “never again”, Polly gets a puppy.

This man's Farina tugs at an emotional level

Uncooperative steering, motor-induced driver deafness, and general lacklustre performance haven’t dulled the love between Todd Sisson and his A40 Austin Farina.

Whimsy defines Mary Phillips' work and home in the Gibbston Valley

After three decades in the fast-paced world of producing children’s television in Auckland, Mary Phillips is now flourishing in a quiet valley in Central Otago.

Recipe: Anchovy Twists

Even people who say they loathe anchovies will love these cheesy, crunchy snacks. They’re great with a pre-dinner drink.

Recipe: Raw Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Dough Balls

Add these delish gingery chews to your sweet-snack repertoire.

How this website is connecting green-fingered Kiwis around the country

Realising that gardening can be isolating for some, Jane Mahoney created an Airbnb-inspired platform to connect curious gardeners around New Zealand.

5 things to know about inverters when you go off-grid

Solar panels are the visible sign of an off-grid power system, but at its heart is a little box with a big job.

Why you should add cavolo nero to your garden

It’s hearty, homegrown, and sounds as good as it tastes (if you say it in Italian).

World wanderers return to nest in a Far North tiny house

For two years, this couple traveled in a Jeep throughout the Americas, the length of Africa and into many of Europe’s far-flung corners — often facing great danger. But the lessons they learned together on the road will drive them into an exciting future.

Recipe: Spiced Date & Walnut Torte

This spiced torte is very rich but almost impossible to resist.

From photographer to zookeeper at Auckland Zoo

Combining an artistic eye with a love for animals created a career trajectory that Grace Watson hadn’t anticipated.

5 fireplace trends to cosy up to

Some of the biggest design trends are contemporary rustic and cottage décor, with fires being a key feature.

Rangitīkei: Where to raft, fish, stroll and explore

On the Rangitīkei stretch of SH1— from the Manawatū and southwest to Horowhenua’s Foxton — rivers, lakes, wetlands and beaches create a vibrant ecosystem well worth a visit.

Recipe: Pork Sausage Rolls with Apple Pickle

This is a great dish to make when you have a couple of people coming over to watch a big game or for a bite of lunch at the weekend.

Recipe: Cardamom and Rosewater Dessert Feijoas

Celebrate the colours of autumn with this delectable treat.

Hūhana Lyndon on using her influence for good

Hūhana Lyndon, previously a vocal critic of the Ngātiwai Trust Board, is its new chief executive.

Get winter ready: Is your firewood dry enough to use?

Firewood should have less than 25 per cent moisture to burn at its most efficient. If you don’t have a moisture meter, here’s how to work out if your firewood is dry enough.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Kitchen jobs ranked from worst to best

Lucy Corry may be a fantastic cook, but that doesn't mean she's a natural at other kitchen tasks.

Broccoli Tart with Red Onion Jam & Walnut Pesto

Feel free to experiment with this tart and use other veggies, it will taste just as good.

Rebecca Stewart’s Blog: Preserving up a storm

Bottling the last of the harvest is no easy task when the goal is a year’s supply of sauces, tomatoes and plum wine.

The Akaroa Men's Shed has become the talk of the town

A retiree joins a global movement, lending a hand to build relationships — and neighbourhoods.

This treasured herb can fetch up to $10,000 per kilo

One of the world’s most valuable herbs is growing in secret plantations in NZ, and you can grow it too.

Recipe: Surrendered Pumpkin & Tomatoes

“Surrendered” is the term given to vegetables that are cooked long enough to allow them to break down to golden deliciousness.

How to prevent and eliminate red mites

Here’s how to fight one of the most frustrating problems for poultry owners that’s so small, it’s hard to spot.

10+ tips for your herb garden this April

It's time to trim, sow and consider growing something unusual this winter...

How to brew a good cuppa from your garden

Homemade herbal tea is many brews above what you can buy in a packet.

Recipe: Spiced Ginger Cookie Sandwiches

These are reminiscent of the flavours of the Caribbean – a little like a tropical cocktail captured in a soft cookie.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Feijoa frenzy

As a food writer, it's Lucy Corry's job to describe flavours to readers, but there is one fruit to which she can never do justice.

How to naturally grow nutrient-rich food

If your goal is to grow nutrient-rich food in sync with nature, the key to getting it right starts long before you plant anything.

11 iconic Kiwiana statues to spot around the country

Passers-by can’t help but smile as they spot the wacky, oversized and oh-so-wonderful town statues erected around the country.

Growing an idyllic lifestyle (and garden-fresh ventures) on the Kina Peninsula

A natural phenomenon helped one Tasman woman shake off serious post-op complications and led to a thriving produce and floristry business involving an entire family.

Recipe: Honey Caramel Topsy Turvy Pear Cake

The autumnal flavour of pears in a rich butter caramel, topped with a drizzle of honey, makes this a most delicious cake.

Why you should light your fire upside down

This is how to light a clean fire, according to two Norwegian wood-burning experts.

Balancing our food needs with the soil that supplies it

When it comes to climate mitigation, writes Dr Mulgan, Planet Earth’s survival is more complicated than most suppose.

Recipe: Courgette, Basil and Parmesan Soup

This creamy courgette soup is one you'll want to make again and again.

From hobby cheesemaker to a top-selling cheese brand

A Gisborne couple spent many years building a farm-to-plate business, now one of New Zealand’s most significant independent brands.

How Tom Waldin scaled his way into a pro climbing career

Sport climbing has been around since the 1800s, but thrill-seeking Gen Z-ers have made it so popular it has earned a place at the Olympics.

10 gum trees that also make good firewood

Gum as a tree divides a lot of people. One reason is different varieties do better in different parts of the country

How to grow mushrooms at home

Growing mushrooms in your backyard does double-duty – they provide a healthy, sustainable food source while improving the soil.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Foiled again

Lucy Corry's husband has got a shiny vice, and it's her goal to dim its shimmer in their household.

Make this spicy sauce with your homegrown chillies

Drizzle this homemade sauce on anything from skewers, roasts, and burgers — or use as a spiced up marinade.

The Kiwi company keeping its cool with eco-friendly refrigeration

When temperatures soar, the hum of air conditioning and refrigeration units sound an ominous chorus. This company is offering a greener solution.

How to grow fat and lovely cauliflower

Be in the know before planting this finicky crop.

Recipe: Sticky Pear & Walnut Scrolls

These sticky, caramel-coated scrolls fill the house with such a lovely aroma, you’ll be salivating in anticipation by the time they are done.

A Raglan mother transforms her yard into a lush, spray-free food haven

A former theatre nurse has turned her Raglan property into an almost self-sufficient “wild garden” and is now raising a gluten-free bread business that looks and tastes as good as the real stuff.

Polly Greeks’ Blog: Rooster raises a ruckus

Polly Greeks has a run-in with a good rooster gone bad.

Recipe: Apple and Pumpkin Leather

Pumpkin, cinnamon and apple are blitzed together into a sweet, flavourful purée, then dried to form a chewy, sweet leather.

These signs may mean your chooks are vitamin deficient

Vitamins are a tiny part of your flock’s diet, and if they’re missing, the signs can be confusing.

Building a 50sqm cabin beneath the stars of Mackenzie Country

Inspired by the endless skies and tussocks of Mackenzie Country, this couple left their hearts wide open to building a life (and tiny cabin) in the nation’s night-sky capital.

Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Rocket Salad

This savoury chicken dish is freshened up with a tart salad on the side.

Rebecca Stewart’s Blog: The self-sufficiency mindset

Our new columnist, who lives on a six-hectare block in King Country, makes it her daily mission to live as self-sufficient as possible. A can-do attitude is a necessity, writes Rebecca.

13 ways to prevent flystrike

Flystrike is easy to prevent, but vets still see it far too often.

Recipe: Yoghurt Roulade with Roasted Plums

Celebrate your harvest with this delicious plum dessert.

10+ tips for starting a compost for beginners

Even when minimising waste much as possible, some food scraps can’t be eaten. Here's how best to combat food scraps.

Lynda Hallinan's tips for surviving tough gardening times

When the going gets tough, it’s not just the tough who get going.

Recipe: Middle Eastern Meatballs

Everyone loves meatballs — Lucy Corry is sure they’re due a comeback sometime soon.

What to harvest, plant and prepare this March

As temps begin to drop, it's time to start thinking about cool-season gardening.

Case study: A little lamb goes missing and survives

A little lamb survives the seemingly unsurvivable.

Two Nelson bakers swap their whisks for lemon squeezers

A sip of elderflower lemonade changed the trajectory of two bakers’ lives. Pete and Marleen Suy swapped their whisks for lemon squeezers and haven’t looked back.

20 tips for aspiring BnB hosts

If you live in paradise and want extra income, it makes sense to invite people to stay. Sheryn shares her lessons hosting visitors from near and far.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: The king of herbs

Lucy Corry hits the jackpot with the king of herbs — and adds it to vinegar, butter and just about everything she eats.

15 recipes to make the most of end-of-summer produce

Make the most warm-weather veggies and fruits before the weather cools and autumn is in full swing.

This hunter-led initiative protects the local whio population

A band of hunters and fishers is bringing a rarely sighted bird back to the Waioeka Gorge.

Kiwi actor Tyler Warwick becomes TikTok sensation

Stuck in limbo between lockdown and audition opportunities, actor Tyler Warwick started uploading to TikTok and Facebook, so far generating millions of views.

Should you go hybrid? A journo hits the road with Toyota to find out

Toyota’s most powerful hybrid SUV bridges the gap between traditional motoring and emissions-free electric. A hybrid rookie gives it a whirl.

Recipe: Easy Peasy Courgette Cheese Bake

Who says that courgettes can't become absolutely moreish?

6 tips to growing mandarins (almost ) all year round

If you pick and choose your varieties carefully, you can be munching on sweet mandarins from early winter until late summer or even all year round if you plan it well.

Recipe: Roasted Tomato & Courgette Harvest Sauce

This roasted vegetable sauce can be tossed through pasta or used as a savoury dipping sauce.

A couple creates a secluded retreat in the treetops of their farm

Diversification was on the cards when a buzz-loving broadcaster moved to a remote Canterbury valley with a sixth-generation farmer. Million Springs farm is today host to 2000 cows and a business in the trees.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: Creatures from all walks of life

Lynda Hallinan gets a right-to-life lecture about pest control.

Recipe: Feijoa, Mint & Chilli Salsa

Fresh feijoas sing in this piquant, easy-to-make salsa.

Alice Alva on turning embroidery into whimsical fine art

Her modern spin on an ancient craft proves embroidery can be as gallery-worthy as a painting.

Why this market gardener believes in mob grazing

Jodi Roebuck has been mob grazing sheep for more than 10 years.

22 sorbet flavours to make with berries and herbs

Sorbet is an easy and delicious way to make the most of fresh berries and herbs.

Everything to know about raising peafowl

There are few things more beautiful than a peacock strutting his stuff, fanning a full, bejewelled, iridescent tail. Don’t be sucked in, says Ross Lawrenson.

5 easy-to-grow flowers for homemade bouquets

When you’re creating a bouquet, think about balance. If you put one type of flower on one side, it looks good to put the same thing on the other side.

These block owners are helping kids reconnect with nature

A Northland family share the healing powers of their land to help children in crisis, and it’s working.

Waiheke Island life called, and the Judkins family answered

A third-generation Waiheke Islander has her feet firmly planted on the soil. However, her head and heart are often off with the arts — in a supporting role at least.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Family flavours

Some of our fondest memories of loved ones come from the flavours they serve us, says Lucy Corry.

Summer at Lynda Hallinan’s means two things — card games and cocktails

Summer is a time for garden parties and picnics. Let the games begin.

Why it pays to plan the perfect block

Here's how good planning can transform your block and protect our environment.

A surfer restores his dream 1960s station wagon

Paul Barclay loves to surf, and there was just one thing he needed to make his life complete.

11 management tips for healthier and fatter lambs

The decisions you make about how you manage your sheep now have a big influence on the lambs you'll get in spring.

What and when to harvest this month

Tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, beans and more are all ripe for the picking. But how and when you pick them can make all the difference between sweet and succulent, bland or bitter.

3 irresistible plum recipes

When plums go crazy, these recipes will help you use them all up in the most delicious ways possible.

Recipe: Summer Beans & Greens with Honey & Cumin Vinaigrette

This crunchy summer salad comes together in a tick.

Recipe: Smoky Blue Cheese Dip

This creamy, smoky blue-cheese dip tends to disappear quickly.

Helmut Modlik on how Māori values can enhance a venture’s success

Helmut Modlik recognized early in life that his identity as a Māori was shaping his worldview. Now he leads his community at Takupūwāhia on the shores of Porirua Harbour.

5 creeping sedums for hot spots in the garden

This sunshine-soaking plant is a favourite for European rooftops.

10 gardens to visit around the North and South Island

Connect with nature’s healing powers in spaces as spiritual as ancient churches when visiting the country’s many open-to-view gardens.

Recipe: Omelette Arnold Bennett

A chef named this smoked fish omelette after prolific English author, Arnold Bennett.

10 ways to safeguard your block from a fire

With heatwaves sweeping through the country, it's time to brush up on fire safety in rural areas.

Recipe: Elderberry, Rhubarb and Cinnamon Tea Cake

When elderberries begin to ripen, Kristina Jensen knows it's time to get baking.

How to make damson gin

It’s a funny-looking cousin of the plum, and it can tarten up your gin too.

At home in Piha with investigative journo Melanie Reid

This well-known investigative reporter keeps an eagle-eyed watch over situations — in more ways than one.

A checklist for your vegetable garden this February

Here's what to sow, what to save, and what to protect from high humidity.

Life slows down at this 1950s crib in Karitane

Beneath the mild-mannered exterior of this coastal crib lies a fold in the space-time continuum — one this family fell unwittingly into.

Lucy Corry's Blog: Boxing on

Lucy Corry revisits her time abroad in France — where mornings were blissfully free of school lunch preparation.

Recipe: Grilled Marshmallows with Rockmelon

Making marshmallows from scratch is a fun way to get kids in the kitchen.

7 lessons from a slow-flower garden in Matakana

The owner of Slow Blooms, a cut-your-own flower and herb garden, explains how to apply slow-garden principles at home.

DIY: How to create a macramé plant hanger

With this super-simple macramé hanger, you’ll always have fresh flowers – or herbs – on hand.

Recipe: Upside-Down Plum Cake

It's impossible not to flip for this sticky, scrumptious summer cake.

15 spray-free strategies to protect crops from pests

Looking for spray-free solutions to outsmarting bugs? Here's the ultimate guide for remaining one step ahead.

What is regenerative agriculture? Here's how one farmer does it

Regenerative agriculture is a term thrown around more and more frequently, but what exactly is it and how can it be practised on a lifestyle block in New Zealand?

Transforming a bare block into a self-sufficiency dream

If it weren’t for chocolate and coffee, Angela Clifford and her family would be mostly self-sufficient food-wise from their bountiful organic block.

How to make acorn flour

Oak is a popular timber, but the trees also produce a nutritious baking flour.

Recipe: Low-Sugar Berry, Prune & Bay Leaf Fruit Spread

Chia seeds and prunes keep this jam-like spread naturally sweet.

From backyard butchery to a banger of an empire

This outdoorsman’s venture, born in a backyard shipping container, is bringing finger-lickin’ good barbecue fare to the masses.

Recipe: Kūmara Flatbreads

These versatile flatbreads can be topped with salsa or used to mop up soups and curries.

A photographer's local park transports him worldwide

A photographer wanders through Albert Park near his inner-city home, wondering when travels further afield might be allowed, and begins to reflect on connections close at hand.

Watch: Take a video tour of Faraway Cove

Take a video tour of Faraway Cove, a new tiny home built on Northland's picturesque Cavalli Coast.

Glamping at a high-country station in Windwhistle

Thanks to the décor-doings of his Scottish wife, a Canterbury sheep and beef farmer now has a fancy new flock on his land — holidaymakers.

Recipe: Kohlrabi, Fennel & Apple Slaw with Lemon Maple Dressing

A fresh matchstick salad made with raw kohlrabi, apple and fennel.

Case study: Two kunekune pigs eat rat bait (and survive)

Two cute pigs are too greedy for their own good.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Good intentions

Lucy is kicking off 2022 with a list of culinary intentions — not rigid resolutions.

7 tips for keeping your block secure

Going on holiday to the beach? If you prepare right, you won't have to worry about block security while you're away.

Is a cold shower good for your heath?

There are times when stressing out the system can be good for the health — ask the artery-blessed Ama of Japan.

Fleur Wickes digs deep to create her poetic art

This Whanganui artist calls her work ‘mark-making with paint’ and regards it as helping her to beat crippling depression.

Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomato Salad

This caprese-like salad is rounded out with lentils, peppery rocket and a balsamic marinade.

This is how to get an all-year round fruit harvest

With this guide, you'll be sure to select fruit trees that will yield fruit year-round.

How to harvest sunflower seeds

Once the petals begin to fall, it's time to get to work.

Lynda Hallinan’s Blog: Hey, soul sister

Lynda Hallinan learns that companion planting doesn't always go to plan.

How the Wehi family harnesses the power of kapa haka

A couple, leaders of a multi-generational legacy, let the power of kapa haka take centre stage in life, love and identity.

5 nostalgic holiday spots

Step back in time to summers past when crowds were scarce and it seemed the biggest problem was what flavour ice cream to choose.

Are quail better than chooks?

These tiny birds are the easiest and most efficient producers of eggs and meat you can raise.

Does orchard size matter?

Ben Gaia visits two small sections that are big on production.

5 reasons to consider Kaikōura for your next holiday

Like a mighty sperm whale, which should never be appreciated only from the water’s surface, it pays to explore this charming seaside town at greater depth.

Recipe: Michael Van de Elzen’s Pumpkin Cupcakes

These pretty little cupcakes call for lots of grated pumpkin.

10 ways to help make cut flowers last

These simple steps will keep your cut flowers looking fresh for longer.

From boggy paddock to native wetland

Their 6.4ha block was once covered in gorse twice their height.

Recipe: Peach Tarte Tatin

This three-ingredient dessert is one of Michael Van de Elzen's favourites.

30+ basics every block owner needs to know

With the number of lifestyle block owners rising each year, many of them new to farming, it’s important to know where to find reputable advice and help.

A Holden EK takes the trip of its lifetime from Snells Beach to Tīmaru

After six decades of service, this beloved survivor is hopefully spending the winter tucked up in a blanket in Central Otago.

Protect and nourish your garden this January

Summer is the time to take proactive measures to prevent fungal diseases, thirsty plants, and insect infestations.

Recipe: Simple Honey Ice Cream

A smooth and creamy ice cream sweetened with honey — a perfect pairing with fresh fruit.

From mussel byproduct to healthy snack for chickens

A natural waste product from the mussel industry is now a health supplement for happy hens.

12 tips for upcycling old pallets

A few tricks to ensure you have a good pallet upcycling experience.

Recipe: Michael Van de Elzen's Clams with Spaghetti

This recipe uses clams but feel free to swap them for any other shellfish, including mussels. Resist the temptation to eat them for every meal!

Meet the couple behind Aotearoa’s first botanical rum

Rum is the 'wild west of spirits', according to the man behind New Zealand’s first botanical rum. But Matt Bridge has tamed it into a bottle, and it drinks as beautifully as it looks.

Recipe: Beetroot Falafels

Whip up homemade falafel with roasted beetroot for a punch of colour and flavour.

How these three farmers are treating their soil with the utmost respect

Healthy soil is the basis of a healthy planet, and without it, there is no nourishment for its inhabitants. Meet three farmers treating their dirt with the greatest respect.

Recipe: Cucumber Canapés with Dill Mascarpone & Smoked Fish

These fool-proof canapés are easy to whip up, but look impressively fancy.

From ‘caravan graveyard’ to a sunny new life

Lovely Lola the caravan ensures the Browns relax in colourful comfort whether by the beach, the lake or in the bush.

Car collector Bing Crosby loves a vehicle with a bit of bling

He was nicknamed after the famous crooner, but Bing Crosby of Browns Bay's smooth style is reflected in his choice of motor vehicles.

Recipe: Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt

This easy-peasy recipe allows you to make a creamy frozen dessert at home without any fancy equipment.

How these four Kiwi women found their creative calling

In an extract from Spirit: Conversations with Creative Women, we look at four women, four artistic genres and four inspiring stories of how they turned their creativity into a full-time job.

Recipe: Lucy Corry's Ribbon Salad

This salad is loosely built around ingredients that can be scavenged in the garden or fridge.

Recipe: Rosti with Creamed Spinach

This rosti is sure to soak up all the creamy goodness of the spinach.

3 ways to create enriched garden beds

Permaculture gardener Kath Irvine shares her years of experience, and the secrets to creating a great garden bed, in her book The Edible Backyard. 

10 weeds to forage (plus how to use them)

You’ll find these common weeds in your garden or out on your block, but you’ve probably never thought of harvesting them for dinner. Here’s how to turn a plant in the wrong place into a delicious, healthy addition to your diet.

The buzz on bumblebees

If beehives aren’t your thing, there are a few simple strategies you can use to encourage another beloved pollinator to find a home in your garden.

Why you won't find stripes on this enthusiast's lawn

A well-tended patch of lawn brings this Kāpiti Coast man unbounded joy.

Recipe: Frozen Raspberry Parfait with Chocolate Sauce

This raspberry-pink parfait is the perfect closer on a hot summer day.

This Northland block is family living at its best

Roots and wings brought this family back together on a slice of coastal land in Northland where they’re flourishing — pandemic be damned.

Lynda Hallinan finds more peace than profit on her lifestyle block

Lynda Hallinan is celebrating the joy she finds on her block, even when she’s weeding.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Cherry & Blackcurrant Friand Cake

Make the most of summer fruit while it’s fresh with this jewel-like cake.

4 delicious summer dips to make

Food writer Kristina Jensen shares her favourite summer dips.

How Tania Niwa uses photography as a vehicle for healing

This photographer believes a picture does much more than paint 1000 words.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: The best things I ate in 2021

Ah 2021, a year of unpredictability — at least Lucy Corry has had consistently great food to lean on.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Barbecue Lamb Seekh Kebabs

Nothing says summer like barbecued kebabs drizzled in a fresh, homemade sauce.

A Taupō beekeeper finds another sweet gig — making mead

First there was craft beer, then gin. But is mead the next big artisan drink craze?

4 not-so-sweet treats to make this Christmas

Homemade Christmas treats are a great gift idea, and these are four of Kristina's favourites.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: Signed, sealed, delivered

The secret to getting out of a pandemic-induced rut? Revel in the joy of dilly-dallying, says Lynda Hallinan.

Recipe: Roast Carrot Salad with Avocado Crème Fraiche

This salad is the perfect for those days when you're feeling like something light and fresh.

Turn leftover new potatoes into "smashies"

Any leftover boiled new potatoes? This is what to do with them.

5 amazing things about the honeybee

Prepare to bee amazed.

Explore a paddock-turned-sculpture garden

One couple, one hectare, and a thousand more years in which to write a vision upon the land.

DIY: 6 natural fertilisers to make at home

The more nourishment plants get, the better they grow. Making your own garden fertiliser is easy, eco-friendly and sustainable.

3 stonefruit hybrids to grow

Apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines are some of our favourite stone fruits. Mix them together and you get super fruit.

Recipe: Mushroom & Hazelnut Pâté

Wild mushrooms create a stronger flavoured pâté, but a mix of mushrooms works well too.

Recipe: Barbecued Skirt Steak with Tomato, Gherkin & Red Onion Salsa

Skirt steak — cut from the flank of the animal — is underrated. Not keen on steak? Try barbecued eggplant steaks instead.

Do cows need loos?

Scientists have shown it’s possible to potty train cows, which can help with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

2 spicy natives to add to your edible garden

Add native New Zealand plants to your garden and reap the rewards.

12 majestic trees to grow on your land

Here are 12 trees you should plant in your paddocks, simply because they’re beautiful.

Recipe: Christmas Rolled Pork with Coriander Crust

Hear Michael Van de Elzen out — switch up Christmas dinner this year with a herby pork belly.

Karen Vercoe on how sports and tribal leadership intersect

The skills Karen Vercoe learnt representing New Zealand in rugby and touch rugby are invaluable in her tribal leadership roles.

Recipe: Anj’s Lemon & Ginger Crunch Pie

An easy, crowd-pleasing treat to whip up for a spring or summer barbecue.

Recipe: Beetroot Red Velvet Cake

No need to add red food colouring — the beetroot does it for you.

Recipe: Poppy-Crumbed Chicken Arms and Red Slaw

Forget Kentucky Fried Chicken, here's a healthier and even tastier twist with red wine and poppyseeds.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Gifting yourself an easier Christmas

Great expectations for Christmas are out-of-date — instead approach the holiday with lower standards, says Lucy Corry.

Tips and reminders for gardening this December

Here's our monthly gardening advice — straight from the experts.

The zero-waste legend helping Matakana turn trash into treasure

This Matakana local has gone from being classed as a hippie to an environment hero.

Recipe: Nurse Gathergood’s Sponge Cake

There’s no mistake — this delightful sponge goes into a cold oven.

Op-shop queen Anna Easton is back home in Ōamaru

Ōamaru is welcoming this troupe of creative nomadic hipsters with arms wide open.

Finnish chickens live their best log-cabin life

This architect-designed coop is the summer home of some very spoiled chickens.

10+ resources every block owner needs

It’s important to get good quality information from the right sources. These are some of the best resources for block owners.

How Lynda Hallinan stumbled into gardening at 18

In her new book, The Joy of Gardening, Lynda Hallinan recalls how it nearly didn’t happen to her — the joy of gardening, that is.

When to thin your fruit trees

When fruit trees finish blossoming, the leaves unfurl, and trees set their crop for the season. That’s when it’s time to do your first pick.

Recipe: Angela’s Elderflower Cordial

This delightful cordial can be made into a refreshing beverage or added to other recipes, such as marmalade.

How to turn your garden into a white wonderland

White gardens are beautiful day and night, but even the most famous one in the world is a mix of colours, and that’s all-white.

The ancient reflex linked with overeating

Why do we overeat? New research shows the body is at the mercy of two mechanisms when faced with food — hunger and opportunity.

Why it takes six months to build the perfect garden bed

Permaculture farmer and gardener Nelson Lebo has spent 20 years perfecting the art of creating and managing low-maintenance garden beds.

Recipe: Bloody Marys with Oysters

Wash a freshly shucked oyster down with a spicy classic.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: A mug’s game

Lucy Corry's not one to swoon over a fine china cabinet, but that doesn't mean she's going to drink out of an ugly mug.

What to consider for your dream outdoor bath

If a bath beneath a starry, starry sky sounds like your kind of happy, you’re in excellent company.

Organic ways to control codling moth

Bugs are a part of nature and I come in peace, but when they invade an entire apple crop, its time to declare war and this is the time to get started.

Painting calmness through life's ups and downs

An artist draws strength and comfort from the beauty in art and nature.

Ramshackle baches have been perched on this rocky bank for generations

Geologists have a saying — rocks remember. If Nelson’s Boulder Bank could talk, it would lay bare the goings-on that take place in the ramshackle baches on its stony shores.

What is wrong with my lettuce?

Jenny answers six common questions about what could be going wrong when it comes to growing lettuce.

Inside the stormy business of seaweed harvesting

When wild winds rage across the top of the Hauraki Gulf, it’s time for these farmers to harvest a special crop.

Former pro golfer finds new shots after 40+ years in the game

Phil Tataurangi first picked up a golf club when he was a child. Forty-something years later, 20 of those spent as a tour pro, the sport continues to enthral him.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: Are we halfway there yet?

After three months in lockdown, Lynda Hallinan surveys her half-finished DIY projects.

Why Rose the ewe got fitted with a maternity bra

A sweet ewe gets fitted for her first baa bra after an udder disaster.

6 locations to consider for your dream lifestyle block

If you want to find an affordable dream country home, here are six spots to consider.

Exploring the Hurunui district on the hoof

When a gaggle of gardeners get together to make something happen, an entire district can reverberate with the result for years.

Recipe: Burnt Cauliflower, Caramelised Onions and Shiitake Mushrooms

Nearly-burnt cauliflower florets are the star in this hearty vegetable dish.

Getting hooked on a colourful, retro craft

Beth Willis is reviving a colourful 1970s craft — one crocheted daisy earring at a time.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Love is… never having to say ‘let’s go shopping’

Lucy Corry ponders why couples' supermarket trips are romanticised, rather than despised (just a little).

A late-spring gardening checklist

Keep your dream summer harvest in mind when planting out your garden this November.

How this top female orienteer goes the distance

Grit and determination are part of an elite athlete’s makeup. They were also qualities this orienteer needed to help steer her through the scariest moment of her life.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Honeyed Blueberry & Mascarpone Tart

A spring-fresh tart for anyone with a sweet tooth.

A vision to reinstate hemp in Aotearoa

These three young men are cultivating a future in which more New Zealanders embrace the plant-based protein in hemp.

Why the mindful art of pottery is the new ‘it’ hobby

The art of ceramics is piquing national interest, with beginner classes selling out around New Zealand.

Recipe: Pork Koftas

This light, breezy meal is easy to throw together on a warm summer's evening.

Finding a balance between healthy foods and palatable flavour

It’s all very well for the strong-minded to advise ‘food be thy medicine’, but what if it tastes awful and has the mouthfeel of shoe leather?

How to dry flowers

Modern dried florals embrace the beauty of twisting leaves and wilting petals.

How to grow herbs for a profit

Starting a backyard herbal enterprise can be a viable means of earning extra cash.

Recipe: Apricot, Ginger & Oat Slice

This oaty slice combines wholesome goodness with peanut butter-chocolate icing.

6 delicious reasons why you should plant kohlrabi

It can look a bit like an alien turnip, but kohlrabi is a lovely addition to summer salads and winter comfort foods.

From salon floors to the frontline of firefighting

Rachael Utumapu QSM left school at 15 for hairdressing. Since then, her life has been dedicated to the community.

How this Wānaka-based couple is embracing circular design

Meet a couple spinning golden-hued chair legs from flax and glass-perfect transparent seats from plant-based resin for chairs designed to last generations.

Recipe: Jenny’s Famous Butterflied Barbecue Lamb

NZ Life & Leisure's food editor shares an early-summer favourite from her new cookbook, Homecooked.

Recipe: The Grater Good's Lemon Tart

This vegan twist on a classic uses almond flour, coconut cream and lots of lemons.

An encounter with a 1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 turned out to be fate

Over the years, John Bristed has owned many cars, but his siren call was the fearless little lady on a Rolls-Royce bonnet.

How to control alligator weed on your block

Watch out for this weed, it can easily outcompete pasture and clog up your waterways.

Recipe: Spicy Baked Beans with Chorizo

This hearty baked dish is a great side to serve with tacos or enchiladas.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Pride comes before a fallen cake

Baking is certainly not a slice of cake and all foodies fall short sometimes, says Lucy Corry.

Recipe: Black Pepper & Sumac Strawberries with Honey Crème Fraiche

Take fresh strawberries to new heights with a homemade syrup and honeyed crème fraîche.

DIY: How to make a succulent wreath

Make a succulent wreath for Christmas and beyond. This living wreath will easily last until the next holiday season as the succulent cuttings will develop roots in time.

The art of the homegrown salad bowl

A salad is the celebration of home-grown, leafy vegetables but there’s an art to mixing the perfect salad.

This man's letterpress collection is anything but hard-pressed

A passion for print and printing presses is filling an Auckland man’s life as well as his three sheds and double garage.

Recipe: Orange, Chilli & Chocolate Bark

Pop a couple shards in a reusable jar for a sweet gift idea.

9 tips for growing great passionfruit

Passionfruit is a warm-climate plant, but with protection from wind and cold, plants can be grown in cooler areas too.

Recipe: Spicy Orange, Mint and Beetroot Salad

You can use cooked or raw beetroot in this salad. The last three ingredients give the salad a unique, delicate look and different textures.

Inside this Clevedon family's growing veggie-box business

A family vegetable business on a South Auckland block has created an award-winning way of selling their produce.

Recipe: Basque-Style Cheesecake

Baking this cheesecake at a high temperature results in a dark-brown crust and creamy filling.

The ultimate sick chook guide + a case study

Working out what’s wrong with a sick chicken can be tricky, even for an expert. Here’s how to improve your odds of getting a diagnosis, and prevent illness in your flock.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: Life in the slow lane

Lynda Hallinan tries to focus on the little pleasures of her spring garden during lockdown.

Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou CEO George Reedy on goals, challenges, and how non-Māori can help

George Reedy, chief executive of Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou, aims to ensure the road to wellbeing, wisdom, and wealth for his whānaunga is clearly marked for the next 100 years or more.

Polly Greeks' Blog: Conditional country loving

Polly and the children get positively broody, but news in the valley isn’t all good.

Catching crayfish and pāua to order in South Wairarapa

This couple hit the water, rain or shine, in a new venture bringing fresh kaimoana to plates while respecting the ocean’s resources.

Everything to sow and plant this October

It's time to sow, sow, sow for a bountiful season ahead.

Sniff, sip and swirl: Meet the South Island's first master of wine

This Blenheim lawyer-turned-master of wine has always been lured by the grape, from hand-labeling bottles as a child to organizing wine tastings in her first student flat.

18 fuss-free recipes for your next picnic

Finger foods, sandwiches, breezy tarts and fresh salads are all fool-proof picnic classics.

10 tips to growing cucumbers

While cucumbers come in different shapes and sizes, their garden preferences are nearly identical.

Recipe: Lemon Marjoram Chicken Tacos

Tacos are the ultimate in interactive eating – once you’ve prepared and cooked all the elements, put them on the table and let your guests assemble their own.

How NZers can build smarter and more efficient homes

A smart house isn’t filled with fancy electronic gadgets. It’s a design concept that keeps you warm and can save you money during building and after. But most NZ homeowners are missing out.

Why runner beans should be a staple in your garden

There’s one non-negotiable, flavoursome, highly productive vegetable in Jenny’s summer garden, and it saves her money.

A Wellington mum transforms her front lawn into a productive veggie garden

Sarah Hopkinson’s personal and professional passions come together in a sandy section she’s transformed into a productive garden.

6 easy-to-grow cherry tomato varieties

Cherry tomatoes are a good option for smaller gardens.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: How to eat cheese

Say cheese to springtime nibbles and grab the golden chance to grate your own, says Lucy Corry.

Is this the star of the edible garden?

This sweet herb – sometimes maligned as an invasive weed – deserves a second look, and with it you get a bee guarantee.

New technology creates virtual fences for cows

A new venture aims to give farmers back what they value most — time.

7 tips for cutting back spring with a brushcutter

If you’ve got out-of-control weeds or long, tough grass, a brushcutter is a great tool for tidying.

Recipe: Beetroot Avo Mud Cake, Peanut Butter and Raspberries

This sweet treat has rolled oats, beetroot and avocado hidden inside.

Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower, Lentil Tabbouleh and Cumin Yoghurt

This hearty salad can be served as is, or with your choice of protein.

Recipe: Potato, Fennel, Mozzarella & Anchovy Tart

Potatoes are the anchor ingredient in this flavourful tart.

6 ways to work out if your hens are laying

If you're not getting all the eggs you expect, Sue Clarke explains how to work out who's laying, who's about to, and who's cruising.

DIY: How to make biodegradable seedling pots

These newspaper seedling pots can be planted straight into the ground.

Why Lynda Hallinan can't give up on fussy ferns

Lynda indulges her fever for ferns with a tabletop collection of covetable species.

The South Canterbury dynasty behind a potato empire

One man’s penchant for potatoes has led to a thriving multigenerational family-run paddock-to-packet potato-chip business.

Recipe: Ruth Pretty's Chocolate Caramel Custards

These pretty little custards are made with dark chocolate and a touch of cinnamon.

How to grow tomatoes with string frames, mesh frames and cages

Gardening guru Kath Irvine breaks down different ways to support vine tomatoes in her book, The Edible Backyard.

Recipe: Gingerbread Breakfast Loaf

Cut a thick slice of this breakfast loaf and top with nut butter, jam or fresh fruit.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Reasons to be cheerful

It's the little (and slightly guilty) things like eating chocolate over your laptop that get you through life, says Lucy Corry.

Inside the expensive world of houseplants

That old houseplant at your grandma’s house might be worth thousands, but can you make a killing growing the most on-trend houseplants?

Why chickens are liars

When a bird gets sick, it turns on its amazing powers to trick us.

8 tips to give your ride-on mower a spring spruce-up

October grass is often thick and lush, putting extra stress on your ride-on mower, so give it a spring makeover.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Spring Risotto

This fresh risotto is bursting with veggies and herbs that can be plucked straight from the garden.

6 nutritious plants to grow for happy chickens

How to create a nutritious mixed salad and creepy-crawly entrée that will improve the health of your chickens.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: A lockdown farewell to library fines

As a lifelong bibliophile with bad habits, Lynda Hallinan pays her debts to the local library.

How this artist landed on sculpted and wearable art

First chemistry, then food, followed by painting and now sculpted and wearable art — for several decades, this artistic soul has been fully occupied creating what inspires her.

What is umami? How to add umami to your cooking

We're biologically programmed to crave a hearty steak, but there are also meat-free ways to add or enhance that same sense of 'yummy'.

6 tips for safe bottle-feeding

Follow this easy checklist to make sure you're feeding your baby animals safely, so you avoid nutritional scours, and the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Recloaking Gisborne with eco-sourced trees

A group of (mostly) women are regenerating Gisborne’s flora — one eco-sourced seed at a time.

Nadia Lim's quick tips for growing peas

There's nothing quite like the flavour of freshly picked peas from the garden.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Crimes against food

From spaghetti in a can to letting egg yolks go to waste — Lucy Corry acts as judge in the court of taste.

5 ways use up your lemons

Have too much of a good thing? Try baking a zingy treat, preserving lemon peel or making your own limoncello.

Hinerangi Raumati-Tu’ua on the value of elders, cultural values and Māori in leadership roles

Successful organizations rely on clear cultural values, vision, authenticity, and creative thinking, says this professional director.

Why you should give chokos a go

They’re the winter equivalent of cucumbers, and there's a secret to picking the ones that taste best.

How Snowflake the goat kid overcame pneumonia

Country vet Sarah Clews meets goat kid Snowflake during his hospitalization from a bad case of pneumonia.

Lynda Hallinan's quick tips for growing ferns

Because who doesn't want some fronds with benefits?

A Waikato family's sweet life growing organic citrus

David Whyte's tree crops outgrew his 500m² section. Now he and his family live a sweet life growing organic citrus.

Recipe: Soft Lemon Biscuits

These tasty biscuits are a great way to use up lemons.

7 layers of a successful food forest

Creating a thriving food forest is an art and a science.

Your September gardening checklist, sorted

As the soil begins to warm up, it's time to get your spring garden started.

15 tasty ideas for comfort food at home

Whip up these warming, oh-so-cosy recipes in the comfort of your home.

How a bush hut inspired this couple's new lease on life

A backcountry hut along the Forgotten World Highway is a befitting backdrop for this city-eschewing couple.

This spiced-up classic is heating up the drinks scene

Fresh apples and creativity are at the core of this reinvention of a spicy classic.

Recipe: Crumbed Fish Tacos with Coleslaw & Tangy Avocado Sauce

Let fresh fish shine with light coleslaw, zingy avocado sauce and soft tortillas.

Recipe: Michael Van de Elzen's Butterbean Hummus

This may be the easiest hummus you'll ever make.

Recipe: Garlic Chive Scrambled Eggs

Top with smoked salmon, a touch of sour cream and little snips of garlic chives.

A Queenstown couple's outdoor approach to teaching pre-schoolers

A Queenstown couple take on the task of nurturing Aotearoa’s most valuable and important resource.

Watch Willy Coenradi manoeuvre an 1880 Columbian printing press

Step back in time and watch a 19th-century printing press in action.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: A taste of the Wairarapa (at home)

Don't let your taste buds suffer in lockdown and instead enjoy the best of the Waiarapa (from a distance), says Lucy Corry.

Recipe: Breakfast Eggs, Grilled Asparagus and Pancetta

A feast of a breakfast to whip up when you're feeling fancy.

Recipe: Mike's Oaty Slice with Avocado Butter

Spread avocado over this wholesome slice for brekkie or delicious snack.

Recipe: Rustic Goat Roast

Kerry Kelly-Drought keeps food rustic, hearty, and absolutely delicious at her bush hut near the Forgotten World Highway.

Bringing back the macramé movement in a big way

The art of decorative knotting is making a comeback, says Jade Parkinson.

DIY: How to make a cute macramé keychain

Learn how to make this cute macramé keychain before moving on to larger projects.

Recipe: Rhubarb and Ginger Muffins with Lemon Syrup

Pieces of rhubarb shine like pink jewels hidden in each golden muffin.

DIY: Knit a classic pompom beanie

Dust off those needles – this easy-to-knit beanie teams New Zealand natural wool with a cute-as-a-button possum-fur pompom.

Recipe: How to create and nurture a sourdough starter

A beginner’s guide to getting start-ed with sourdough — how to create, feed and nurture the starter.

Pan-fried and vegetable scones

One of New Zealand’s best-loved children’s authors shares the secret to his childhood scone recipe.

DIY project: Turn soft plastic wrappers into a tote bag

Grab the iron and a bundle of soft plastic bags then make a tote with sustainable style.

Farming in the 'fourth dimension' near Whanganui

On this block it takes a month to cut down a tree, six months to build a garden bed, and two years to plant avocados, all to save money, effort, & time.

Recipe: Chargrilled Cauliflower Tarts

If you need a finger food, a light starter, or even a tasty lunch, cauliflower tarts are the ticket.

Why polenta is perfect for winter comfort

The Italians know how to create comforting winter food, but writer Kristina Jensen takes it one step further.

Why you should consider raising turkeys

Turkeys are beautiful birds, work hard to keep your farm pest-free and make a great roast.

Recipe: Beetroot Cured Salmon

This is a perfect light and tasty, make-ahead opener to a winter dinner.

Recipe: Chorizo Sausage & Prawns with Roasted Red Peppers

This one-pan rice dish is one of Michael Van de Elzen's favourites to whip up.

A bonsai collector learns resilience from meticulously pruned trees

A bonsai collector shares the lesson of caring for artfully pruned trees.

6 warming hot springs to add to your bucket list

Natural minerals in geothermal springs around the country have therapeutic properties ‒ and keep toes toasty.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: New Zealand’s true heroes

Lucy Corry dishes out gold medals to those who keeps us fed – from market gardeners to nut butter producers.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: The cat that came in from the cold

It takes sheer luck get a cat that looks like a unicorn and purrs like a Tesla.

A beginner's guide to hoof trimming

Limping cattle, sheep, and goats are a common winter sight, but there are ways to fix and prevent it.

A passion for destroying moth plant has spread far and wide

A crusade against the noxious vine has grown from one to a thousand-strong team.

What are nutraceuticals?

Scientists call foods that are good for the body ‘functional’. Marketers call them ‘superfoods’. Welcome to the health-giving world of nutraceuticals.

9 things to consider you're raising chicks

If you’re raising chicks this spring, here’s how to avoid some common mistakes and ensure yours get the very best start in life.

A globe-trotting couple make Waiheke their forever home

Two global citizens who dropped anchor in Waiheke Island continue to grab opportunities as soon as they come along in a home that melds identity and imagination.

The no-grain clucking composting system

US compost-maker Karl Hammer runs a grain-free flock that works hard for a living.

Recipe: Spiced Parsnip Hash Browns

Craving some fried food? Give in and avoid the guilt with this healthy spin on the classic hash brown.

Recipe: Spinach & Honeyed Pear Salad

Whip up this pretty winter salad in a flash.

4 easy ways to make your own fire starter

Light your fire with these simple, homemade starters.

10 things you may not know about building a log home

You might think hunting lodge, you might think it’s too much  wood for one home, but the modern log house is a strong statement in clean, green, renewable, hand-crafted building work.

A Nelson couple's mascarpone wins over taste buds

An Italian couple recreates favourite cheeses from home.

How tragedy inspired an aircraft tracking solution

A tragic search-and-rescue mission prompted these innovators to rethink aircraft safety.

What to plant for happier chickens

The ideal poultry habitat is full of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals, which provide shelter, protection, and nutrition.

Tasks for the vegetable garden and orchard this August

It may still be chilly, but spring produce is just around the corner.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Mushroom Potato Gnocchi

There's nothing quite like plump gnocchi tossed in a beautiful, rustic sauce.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Cold comfort

A freezer full of leftovers is the equivalent to money gaining interest in the bank, says Lucy Corry.

This big duck has no quack

It looks like a duck (but doesn't quack), acts like a goose, roosts like a chicken, and tastes like beef.

The easy way to create ‘rooms’ in your garden

It helps if you have a big budget and a team of landscapers, but there are easy ways to create classic 'rooms' in your garden.

3 things your stock will thank you for this winter

Healthy stock easily cope with the cold. But combine cold, wind, and rain, and stock can become stressed. Here are three ways to help them cope better in winter conditions.

Lynda Hallinan’s Blog: Tree hugging for the non-hippies

Can’t see the woods for the trees? Here’s how to find meditative pleasure in giving midwinter hugs to towering trunks.

Recipe: Ruth Pretty's Braised Lamb Shank Pie

Waiting for the lamb to work its magic in the oven requires patience, but the end result is completely worth it.

How Vicki Virtue stumbled into a career of cliffhangers

Detective novels were such fun to read, this travel writer wondered if they would be as much fun to create. She found out.

Meet the couple behind this dairy-free coconut kefir

A Raglan couple developed an alternative idea over six years — and now they’ve fermented it.

A rare herd of cuddly-looking giants near Taupo

They look quite cuddly, and they're roaming on a farm near Taupo, but farming them isn't for the fainthearted.

5 things to know about lice in poultry

They’re small, they’re fast, and they can bug your birds all year round.

Recipe: Rhubarb Crumble

Always be ready for a mid-week treat by making the crumble mix in advance.

A guide to biosecurity on your lifestyle block or farm

Good biosecurity will save you money and heartache.

A former triathlete finds solace in ocean swimming

A devastating diagnosis forced an ambitious athlete to give up the sports she loved. Determined to keep exercising, she took the plunge into ocean swimming.

Lake Hawea's dreamy stone glasshouse

So she said: ‘I’d really like a stone glasshouse.’ And he said: ‘Sure, I know exactly what you mean. I’ll build it.’ And he did.

Recipe: Homemade Citrus Curds

All citrus can be turned into curd, which is a delicious addition to cakes, pies and pancakes, or can be swirled in yoghurt or ice cream.

The secret behind this award-winning Central Otago preserve

Central Otago plums and pinot noir prove to be the winning combination for a young chef with a passion for preserving fruit.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Sickness benefits

Lucy ponders the much-debated approaches to combatting winter ills — from wholesome tonics to intoxicating tipples.

How Rio Cox creates objects at 1:12 their real-life size

A steady hand helps this Lower Hutt woman create tiny scenes, people and things.

How to grow finger limes — the new foodie favourite

Tagged “citrus caviar”, finger limes are a fresh take on a standard citrus.

Recipe: Candied Citrus

Any citrus can be whipped up into a sweet snack or pretty garnish.

4 steps to pruning an apple tree

Haven't pruned your fruit tree in years? Here’s where to begin.

DIY: Make your own botanical stepping stones

Create a magical trail of stepping stones using ready-mix concrete and decorated with bold, beautiful leaves from the backyard.

4 simple Japanese seasonings to make at home

Traditional Japanese spice mixes are easy to make, and add sparkle to dishes from any culture.

This premature lamb weighed the same as a guinea pig

A case study of Davie, the premature lamb.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: The best-laid plans of mice and women

Lynda Hallinan plays cat and mouse with a family of unwelcome houseguests.

Transforming a 14ha block into a cute-as-a-button retreat

A block in Raglan that started with very few prospects is now one of the most wish-listed places to stay on Airbnb.

Recipe: Chilli Kiwi Hot Sauce

This recipe has been tried-and-tested to perfection since Kristina Jensen's university days.

Sustainable principles rule at this award-winning pāua company

Tora Bay on the South Wairarapa coast is home to a new venture and top-notch kaimoana.

The dirt on planting fruit trees correctly

A strong, healthy fruit tree starts with the right kind of hole.

Recipe: Lentil & Kumara Curry

This is a great vegetarian substitute for butter chicken and the best part is, it can also be made gluten and dairy free.

5 quick tips for gardening this July

The garden may seem to dull in winter, but there are still a few tasks to be done.

4 beautiful NZ barn houses

Converting a barn into a home can create a distinctive living space, but it involves a unique set of building challenges.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: 6 cookbooks to read in bed

To read a cookbook in bed, says Lucy Corry, is to surrender to inaction and read for pure pleasure.

How this young woman grew a slow-flower farm from the ground up

A psychology student’s budding business, providing solace when she most needed it, is rooted in the belief that homegrown flowers can heal the mind, body and soul.

The not-so still-life of this artistic Tīmaru couple

Several generations of two families — one Japanese, the other Bohemian — live on in the work of two artists, a couple working in Tīmaru.

Wairarapa butchery wins at 2021 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards

Dion Kilminster produces top-quality beef and lamb — but the road to success constantly challenges him.

Little & Friday's Lemon Coconut Slice

This lemony slice features zingy passionfruit and a heap of fluffy meringue.

Recipe: Ruth Pretty's Grapefruit Cheesecake

There's nothing more heartwarming than a hand-me-down recipe.

Leaving Paris for the sweet life in Hawke's Bay

A pastry chef is constructing a slower, sweeter life in Hastings after bidding adieu to a law career in Paris.

Recipe: Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas

This recipe is a firm family favourite because it's big enough to feed a crew, but you can halve the amounts.

Little & Friday's Chicken, Leek & Bacon Pie

Bacon and cheese in this winter classic makes this pie extra hearty and rich.

Q&A: A wool champion on her favourite natural fibre

This Christchurch entrepreneur hopes the country will fall back in love with woolly wonders.

Homemade Meatballs with Soft Parmesan Polenta

Michael Van de Elzen serves these easy-to-make moreish meatballs over a bed of creamy parmesan polenta.

Recipe: Dutch Pea and Ham Soup

Smoked pork hock adds incredible flavour to this warming pea soup.

Why every driveway needs a tractor with the right blade

Even a well-designed driveway needs regular maintenance, and there’s one accessory that will help it make the grade.

Recipe: Pāua Fritters

Let the pāua shine by using just enough batter to bind the fritters.

6 lessons from a very tiny Airbnb

A tennis coach and an IT professional have transformed their not-much-good-for-anything land into a tiny house escape.

The champions of the 2021 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards are...

The winners of the fifth Outstanding NZ Food Producers make some of the most delicious food ever tasted. Salute the medallists and winners and support them by buying their gourmet treats.

5 toxic mistakes you may be making with your chooks

There are all kinds of myths and 'fake news' about poultry, and some of them are deadly.

Ārepa founders on changing the mood of the drinks industry

The founders of beverage company Ārepa are aiming high with the twin goals of creating the world’s smartest drink and building New Zealand’s first billion-dollar beverage company.

3 bad eggs & what they're telling you about your hens

Some are more common in older hens than others.

DIY: Make natural dyes with plants, fruits and pantry items

The pantry contains a smörgåsbord of ingredients perfect as natural dyes.

A clever family takes a pioneering idea from the Waikato to the world

A mad idea sown in a tin shed has grown into a bountiful business, taking this go-getting family from the Waikato to the world.

Polly Greeks’ Blog: The beauty of unpredictability

Polly muses over the lessons learnt when life doesn’t go to plan.

Recipe: Broccoli with Black Olives & Parmesan

Broccoli is one of those vegetables which work well with almost anything — take advantage of its versatility with this recipe.

Lucy Corry's Blog: Some like it hot

Forget oil heaters or fireplaces — Lucy Corry heats up with spice.

19 great fruit trees to plant this winter

Gardening teacher and landscaper Kath Irvine shares her favourite fruit tree varieties. Fruit trees must tick three boxes — delicious, hardy and reliable.

Recipe: Little & Friday's Caramel Slice

Everything from the hazelnut-studded caramel to the dark chocolate ganache is pure decadence.

The paint-spattered Badcock family tree

Father and daughter, John and Susan Badcock, are just two members of the thoroughly paint-spattered Badcock family tree.

A beginner's guide to growing inside

What to think about if you’re buying a greenhouse for the first time.

Wakatū chair Paul Morgan on investing in people

Paul Morgan is shaping the future by investing in current Māori leaders and training the next generation.

Recipe: Cavolo Nero, Lemon & Ricotta Pizza

This is pizza made simple: crispy cavolo nero, lemon zest and a medley of cheeses.

The ups and downs of sculptor Ben Foster's car restoration

Ben Foster has come to realize his car project is a form of therapy for himself and his mates after the psychological and mental anguish of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and the last year of the pandemic.

Recipe: Crispy Veggie Chips

Forget splurging on a bag of gourmet chips at the store, try making your own (hint: it's easier than you think).

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: The world's your oyster

Lynda Hallinan dusts off her pinny and treats herself to a batch of homemade cinnamon oysters.

3 secrets to getting the best from cabbage trees

The cabbage tree is the gift that keeps on giving, if you know its secrets.

11 crops to plant this winter

As Jack Frost arrives, the harvest of fresh fruit and veggies slows down. But there are several stalwarts that survive the cold, and it’s the ideal time to plant fruit trees.

How to grow great raspberries

Raspberries are a great option for the lifestyle block. Ben Gaia looks at how to get the best production.

Four Ginger Parsnip Sticky Date Pudding

Parsnip makes this gooey pudding a real show-stopper.

Onion talk: Tips for planting alliums

The onion family make a pretty and tasty addition to your garden.

A surf champ's perfect wave was in Māhia all along

Ricardo Christie started surfing almost before he could walk and was still in his teens when he won the national championship.

A couple's shared love for permanent pigments

A Featherston couple has set up two studios, separate but connected, on the town’s main street. While one favours neutral hues, the other is drawn to a profusion of pigment.

How to bring on the winter veggies this June

The time has come to get winter-ready — here's what you need for a continuous supply.

Going off-grid and mortgage-free in King Country

A family committed to a self-sufficient way of life have quickly turned an untamed block into a productive homestead.

Recipe: Fish with Brown Butter Sauce & Popped Capers 

This is a great way to cook lower-priced fish species such as blue moki, gurnard, hoki, monkfish and trevally.

The high-country tours with a feel-good factor

Rats, stoats, kea — and vistas few get to see — Mark Orbell takes visitors to his favourite part of the country, showing off Wānaka’s wildlife, including some he hopes to find neither alive nor kicking.

The feel-good benefits of a communal farm

Common Property still operates with the purpose of giving access to land to those who couldn't afford their own. This is what we can learn from their community-oriented initiative.

Inside the curious world of pigeon racing in NZ

This fancier’s pet project sees an ordinary bird taken to extraordinary heights.

Recipe: Beetroot Hummus

This is a vibrant dip or you can use it as a spread.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Less pressure takes the cake

Birthday cakes taste just as good with a less-is-more approach, says Lucy Corry.

Fragrant Vegetable Pho Soup

This fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup is a great way to use up garden greens such as kale or spinach.

Super hens or old-fashioned girls?

There are the super-efficient commercial hens, or the heritage birds with colour and longevity, but how do you know which bird best suits you?

Recipe: Persimmon & Turmeric Chutney

NZ Lifestyle Block writer Kristina Jensen celebrates preserving, persimmons, and her favourite Pip.

9 tips to building a good wood stack

Gathering firewood is one of those jobs best done year-round, so you always have a dry, well-seasoned supply.

This woman proves it's never too late to change careers

Kay Paku feels life has delivered her a series of career options — each a lucky chance rather than a deliberate choice.

Recipe: Curried Pumpkin, Bacon & Feta Muffins

You may find you need to make two batches of these tangy, moist, melt-in-the-mouth muffins as they won’t last long.

The Easiest Curried Pumpkin Soup

This is NZ Lifestyle Block columnist Kristina Jensen's favourite way to use her pumpkin harvest.

The best way to be zero waste on a block

Waste from your block is actually quite the opposite to its name — here's how to make the most of its value.

Top 10 veggie crops for city gardeners

These veggies are excellent for small gardens.

Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards 2021: Medal winners revealed

Exciting news in the food world. It's time to celebrate great New Zealand food products with the announcement of 2021 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards medal winners.

Lynda Hallinan’s Blog: The reality of family traditions

Family traditions are all well and good, but some — like overripe fruit — can fester and rot.

The ultimate guide to designing your dream orchard

The basics of creating a productive orchard, and the design tricks that will keep it that way.

How daylight affects egg production

One of the biggest influences on your hens' health is a star in the sky.

Recipe: Leek, Mushroom & Cottage Cheese Flan

The secret to a tasty flan or quiche? Sautéed leeks.

Recipe: Pulled Ham Hock Soup with White Beans

This soup is light, brothy and loaded full of nutritious vegetables.

8 things to know before you try growing hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are still a niche product in New Zealand but they have the potential to be the country’s main nut crop. You won’t meet anyone who loves them more than hazel researcher and grower Murray Redpath.

A Kiwi's sun-soaked life growing organic veggies in México

It started as a surfing holiday and ended as a lifestyle choice, growing vegetables and herbs south of the border, down México way.

Recipe: Ruth Pretty's Criss-Cross Agrias with Rocket

When buying, look for potatoes that still have dirt on them — the soil is a protective layer.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Not a lady who lunches

A startling confession from Lucy Corry — she just doesn’t enjoy lunch.

3 ways to use kawakawa

Make the most of this medicinal plant by making a salve, throat gargle or even natural perfume.

11 tips for caring for your livestock this May

Now is the best time to prepare for lambing season.

Why these growers share 11ha for the common good

Many would-be growers can't afford their own land, but on this block, a little common sense creates business opportunities.

10 tips to drying firewood in just 6 weeks

Get the basics right, and you can have perfect firewood in as little as six weeks.

How to make apple cider vinegar

There's no need for any part of an apple to go to waste.

Lynda Hallinan’s Blog: A good egg

When it comes to the perfect plate of savoury eggs, writes Lynda Hallinan, fresh isn't always best.

Meet the Tauranga duo behind eco-cloth business Good Change

Combining friendship with work can be risky but two go-getting Tauranga women, each with a desire to create a more sustainable world, have chosen to join forces.

7 ways to fight a varroa infestation

There are several ways you can treat a hive to reduce varroa mite populations.

Why food is the best medicine

The best diet for long life and good health is an age old conundrum. Modern insights say it has a lot to do with eating the right drugs.

What to dig up, plant and prepare this May

It's time to put the final touches on your cold-tolerant garden.

9 tips for starting a local food co-op

For more than 25 years, the locals of a small rural Southland community have co-operated to provide themselves with mostly locally-grown, organic food.

How to build a Norwegian Round Stack

Norwegian rounds are a space-saving wood stacking technique that will keep your wood dry

How to brighten up your winter garden

Gardens can lose their colour in May, but there are ways to brighten things up.

6 healing tonics to make with herbs from the garden

With cold and flu season around the corner, it’s time to turn to Mother Nature for the tools of self-defence. These herbs can be grown then made into potions that soothe and strengthen.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Mulled-Wine Poached Pears

Any pear variety can be poached, but Beurre Bosc, Packham, Winter Nellis, or Taylor’s Gold hold their shape the best.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: The rise of the Splayd

Lucy Corry encounters a historical figure in the world of cutlery.

How to make solid beeswax perfume

If you are sick of paying hundreds of dollars for a tiny bottle of celebrity-endorsed fragrance, these solid perfumes made from beeswax and essential oils are the answer.

How to plant a forest and receive funding for it

Mass planting expert Rachel Rose reveals the different funding options available and the secret to planting a good forest.

Recipe: Homely Rosemary & Lemon Cake

Breadcrumbs and almonds form the base for this unusual Italian cake, which is delicate in texture and big on flavour.

Explore the country's most extraordinary tree collection

The planting layout of the country’s national arboretum, Eastwoodhill, near Gisborne, is undergoing a reshuffle to a 100-year plan.

This couple has protected Goat Island for more than 20 years

The sea, land and people reward this couple — in more ways than one — for their years of dedication to the Matakana Coast.

Recipe: Persimmon Salad

Pomegranate seeds, sliced persimmon and goat cheese take this salad to the next level.

Teresa Tepania-Ashton on staying true to her identity

The ability to be true to her identity has helped Teresa Tepania-Ashton to succeed in corporate and tribal leadership roles.

Lynda Hallinan’s Blog: Sage advice

Sage is a handy herb but Lynda Hallinan has a hard time keeping it alive.

The rare and wonderful animals of Avonstour Island

John Earney is a collector of many old things, including traditional livestock breeds.

Black Ferns Sevens star ready for the Olympic spotlight

Working to improve her mental strength and gaining much-needed confidence has been a game-changer for Black Ferns Sevens star Michaela Blyde.

DIY: 6 skincare products to make at home

Give skin a boost with naturally soothing ingredients that might already be in your garden or kitchen.

Recipe: Ribolita Soup with Garlic Avocado Oil Toasts

This warming dish is also known as Tuscan white bean soup.

Recipe: Blackberry Cake

This easy cake, studded with frozen blackberries, is topped with icing sugar and sliced stonefruit.

How Kathleen Green is paying homage to the classic Kiwi blanket

Finding herself unemployed in the middle of a recession, Kathleen Green began restoring vintage wool blankets to their former glory.

Recipe: Lynda Hallinan's Marmalade

Lynda's twist on her grandmother's marmalade involves a generous slosh of Cointreau or whiskey.

An unused car park becomes an urban market garden

A former fine-arts student finds his muse in providing Aucklanders with organic produce.

The immune system and ageing's big diseases

In the first of a new column, a medical doctor explains how the immune system changes after middle age and causes ageing’s big diseases.

Recipe: Feijoa & Rhubarb Relish

Pair this relish with cold meats and cheeses.

Recipe: Feijoa, Pear & Walnut Galette

Celebrate your feijoa and pear harvest with this tart-like dessert.

A nunnery's glam new life near Lake Hayes

Resurrecting an old cottage, once home to nuns, thrilled its owner and the judges of the 2020 New Zealand Architecture Awards, who pronounced it an overall winner.

Recipe: Roasted Moroccan Cauliflower with Capers and Almonds

Cauliflower gets spiced up with tangy capers, crunchy almonds, and warming Moroccan spices.

Recipe: Blueberry and Lemon Mascarpone Cake

No need for icing on this cake-in-a-skillet. The richness is all inside from the delicious mascarpone.

How to scan QR codes in Great Gardens: 12 of NZ's Best

Get a bird's eye view of 12 gardens by scanning QR codes in our newest collector's edition, Great Gardens. Having trouble scanning? Here's what to know.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Out, damned spot!

A food writer meets her greatest enemy — the dirty kitchen cupboard.

Behind the scenes at NZ's fastest-growing snack company

One couple’s journey to running the fastest-growing snack company in New Zealand — from baking cheesecakes in the United States to crafting the perfect crisp in the South Island.

An expert reveals the best trees to grow and the ones to avoid

Rachel Rose has helped to plant almost 5000 trees in the past two years. These are the best trees to grow and ones to avoid.

How this woman scored a 1969 Lancia Fulvia

Italian flair comes to Ōhakune in the form of a racy little italian number.

A Wellington lawyer tackles systemic racism in the justice system

Julia Whaipooti never shies from being an agent of change, whether speaking at the United Nations or fighting for equality and equity within Aotearoa’s justice system.

At home with Waiheke artist Tanya Wolfkamp

On a hillside on Waiheke Island, an artist has found her niche, creating the designs for colourful Kiwiana homewares and accessories.

Growing kale over winter

If you’re a bit bored by cabbage for your winter garden, its ‘cousin’ kale is a great-looking, great-tasting alternative.

Thinking about importing seeds? Here's what you should know

Buying seeds from overseas can cost you and New Zealand a pretty bad penny.

Houseplant happiness: A beginner’s guide

If you can turn a houseplant into a withered has-been overnight, then this guide that matches indoor greenery to the conditions (and homeowner’s personality) is a life saver.

Explore this photographer's walking tour of Wellington

A writer/photographer takes a walking tour of the country’s capital, stopping for swirling sculptures, naked models and extremely good cake.

6 easy-peasy ways to preserve herbs

The options are endless when it comes to preserving herbs.

The best NZ cheeses of 2021

This year’s New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards has recognised long-term favourites as well as newcomers among its 27 trophy recipients.

15 delicious feijoa recipes to make the most of a bumper crop

Make the remainder of those feijoas shine with these simple chutneys, baked treats and tangy dips.

Striking a chord with the ukulele community in NZ

A musical couple in Geraldine fosters joy — and a nationwide community — with the little lute that could.

Why you should keep an eye on your chooks' poo

Poo is a useful indicator of flock health, and a possible early warning sign of an illness if you know good poo from bad.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Carrot, Tamarind & Coconut Soup

Carrots give sweetness, red lentils add body, coconut enriches, and tamarind gives a palate-lifting sour note to this warming soup.

Recipe: Fig Sponge Cake

A medley of seeds and nuts gives this upside-down cake an earthy flavour.

What to sow and plant this April

It's time to get your cool-weather veggies into the ground.

Recipe: Sweet Risotto with Poached Tamarillos

This rice pudding is anything but boring, it brings a fruity twist to a family classic.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: What you knead to know about hot cross buns

Lucy, who once skipped a party in order to perfect her hot cross bun dough, shares her most successful recipes and tips ahead of Good Friday.

How to grow pomegranates from seed

Pomegranates can be grown from seed, but you need to be patient.

Is this the feijoa cake of your dreams?

Kristina Jensen's gooey upside down feijoa caramel cake is the autumn cake you've been waiting for.

Polly Greeks' Blog: The new chooks on the block

Polly’s brood gets clucky over new chooks.

Meet the foragers turning wild herbs into wellness

A love of foraging in the hills of Central Otago is at the heart of a natural health business that's transforming wild herbs into wellness.

From Auckland to an 11ha block in Mihiwaka

Skye Macfarlane and Jed Tweedie ditched life in the middle of Auckland City for a remote block, self-employment, and an organic market garden with a million dollar view.

Recipe: Butterflied Chicken with Red Pepper Salad

Ease into the evening with roast chicken tossed with hearty veg and crusty sourdough.

A limoncello-making couple's zest for life

Willing friends pitch in to help this Paraparaumu couple make their zesty award-winning limoncello.

Lynda Hallinan’s Blog: Growing patience from cuttings

An ardent gardener loses her patience and weaves a little magic with garden prunings.

Meet the inspiring mums behind bilingual book series Reo Pepi

A vision to reclaim their ancestral language prompted these Dunedin cousins to create a bilingual resource for future generations.

The art and science of making good gin

There’s a ‘ginaissance’ going on, with craft distilleries popping up around New Zealand, but it takes more than bit of this and a bit of that to make the ‘it’ drink.

What you need to make 'gin' in a jar

You can use a few key spices, homegrown herbs, and fruit to transform plain vodka into your own 'gin'.

Want to distil your own gin? Here's what to know

Here's what you need if you want to join the 'ginaissance.

A 'gin garden' brimming with gin-worthy botanicals

When two artisan gin-makers wanted to source the best organic botanicals, they created a very special garden.

Your go-to guide to freezing fresh produce

Freezing your favourite summer produce is a simple, fast, and economical way (if you do it right) to preserve the best in your crops.

Recipe: Quince Jelly

Aromatic autumn quinces make for the most delicious jelly.

8 tasty dishes (and treats) to make with pumpkin

Arguably one of our favourite vegetables, pumpkin is a versatile star in both sweet and savoury dishes.

The delicate art of breeding bumblebees

Zonda Beneficials provides insect predators for use in horticulture and small-seed production and breeds bumblebees for commercial and domestic pollination.

How a Papamoa couple grew their house tree by tree

A couple, seeing the wood within the trees, set out with a long-term vision for a new home and an alternative forestry industry.

Thinking of restoring a wetland? Here's what you should know

Learn from those who've done it on how to repair and restore a past wetland that can help save the world from climate change.

Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes with Salted Caramel

This chocolate molten cake is not only the perfect sweet treat but also fail-proof.

Trees with the highest pollen count

An easy guide to understanding the pollen value of plants.

How to give old furniture a fresh new life

Transforming a pre-loved item destined for landfill takes patience. But breathing new life into a tired object can be immensely satisfying.

How to test your chooks and their eggs for lead

If there is a possibility of lead contamination on your block, testing is crucial despite its costs.

Recipe: Ruth Pretty's Pumpkin & Courgette Salad

This salad makes a tasty vegetarian main course, especially with the addition of toasted walnuts and barbecued cherry tomatoes.

Loving the free-range life on the Tutukaka Coast

Regard for the land remains firmly at the heart of this family after half a century of love, loss and regeneration.

Lucy Corry's Blog: A cure for garden heartbreak

Lucy Corry heals her heartbreak with an off-site garden adventure.

8 tiny homes around the country

Dreaming of living in a tiny home? From refurnished boats in Whanganui to views of the Auckland skyline, the space is small but the ideas are bigger than ever.

DIY: How to build a fruit and veggie rack

Build a storage rack for your autumn harvest and preserves.

Reviving a once-dwindling kōkako population

A nature-loving group in the Bay of Plenty revives the local kōkako population year by year. It’s now one of the largest in the country.

Recipe: Nadia Lim's Apple Rum Raisin Tarte Tatin

Crisp apples are paired perfectly with this indulgent rum-and-raisin sauce.

3 reasons willows are a great tree choice

A willow might not be an obvious pick for your block, but it certainly could be the most ingenious.

2 quince recipes: Quince paste and quince chutney

It’s completely inedible when raw and dangerous to cut up, with a heady, perfumed scent that is completely at odds with its appearance. Sound like your kind of fruit?

Nadia Lim's tips for collecting and storing seeds

Many plants, such as heirloom varieties, produce seeds that can be collected one year and sown the next, ensuring they are saved for future generations.

Recipe: Cheese Toasts with Salmon & Tarragon

Save a few cheesy loaves in the freezer for when you need a breezy-but-beautiful canapé.

A guide to wetlands in NZ from an expert

If you’re dealing with a paddock that’s a boggy mess in winter, it was probably once a wetland.

Lynda Hallinan’s Blog: You say tomato, I say make 'mine a double'

Lynda Hallinan perfects the art of the lockdown liquid lunch.

Tips for getting 20kg of tamarillos per tree

They’re fussy, but tamarillos are a tangy treat, and prolific if you know the secrets to high production.

Why your soil needs biochar (plus two ways to make it)

This special type of charcoal made from waste wood will enrich your soil and help save the planet.

Recipe: Potato & Green Bean Tuna Salad

A fresh salad with capers, olives and a simple vinaigrette.

Lucy Corry’s Blog: Nice foodie people on the internet

Lucy Corry offers a cure for those with an addiction to mindless scrolling through social media.

10 tips for gardening in March

With the ground still warm from the hot months, autumn is the perfect time for planting.

Recipe: Barbecued Whole Snapper with Peperonata

Cooking the snapper on the bone creates even more flavour in this dinner dish.

Recipe: Michael Van de Elzen's Salsa Verde

This sauce is simple yet addicting, perfect for summertime.

The Hastings couple led by the nose for high spirits

Two former winemakers are creating gin and other spirits, capturing the essence of the region in which they live.

What you need to know about lead in eggs

Keeping Chickens NZ's Andrea Graves looks at a study into lead concentrations found in backyard hens and their eggs.

Recipe: Roasted Mushroom and Garlic Rigatoni

This pasta recipe will convert even the most passionate of mushroom-haters into lovers.

Why this Kiwi film-maker visited México and never left

The vibrant spontaneity of a city where a circus troupe might suddenly appear amid the colourful buildings appealed to the creative spirit of this film-maker. So she relocated to Mexico's San Miguel de Allende— and never left.

Recipe: Salted Caramel Macadamia Slice

Impress at your next work morning tea with this paleo vegan slice from Buffy Ellen at Be Good Organics

5 bright and beautiful vegetables to plant now

If you love a plate full of colour, why not try planting some of the more bright winter vegetables?

Recipe: Poached Figs with Verjuice and Sugar

A quick yet delicious dessert sure to satisfy any cravings for a sweet treat.

A guide to being a good country neighbour

Understanding rural etiquette can make for a more peaceful life on the block.

Recipe: Pesto Puffs with Cherry Tomatoes

These babies push all the right buttons when you want a tasty savoury bite.

Explore this bright-but-basic bach at Punakaiki

A couple of legal high-flyers and their twin girls are now enjoying a slower way of life in a basic-but-beloved bach on the West Coast.

How to time your pear harvest perfectly

Nothing beats the melting succulence of a fresh, ripe, well-grown pear.

3 beautiful walks north of Auckland to explore

Fancy a day trip away from the city? These three walks have birds, bush and beach all covered.

How to make homemade extracts

Turn fruit and herbs into flavours you can use all year round.

How this top athlete found her beat in race walking

On the best of days, the grueling sport of race walking feels like dancing to New Zealand’s top-ranked female competitor Alana Barber.

How to get the most from a fig tree

An expert grower explains why some fig trees just don't grow fruit.

Recipe: Blackcurrant & White Chocolate Crème Brûlée

There's no need to save this silky smooth dessert for only special occasions, it's simply too irresistible.

A Piopio-based boat builder finds his anchor

A boat builder with itchy feet, huge ideas and a young family finds his spiritual home in a tiny-but-mighty King Country town.