Sarah's Blog

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

A crazy comedy of disguise, seduction and chaos

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

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: East Auckland Eco Day 2024

Highlighting sustainable living from past to present

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

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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

An unexpectedly delicious method for making vegan bacon

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

A guide to garden arches

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

Recommended reading: Award-winning books worth their accolades

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

Keeping your canine companions cool and comfortable this summer

Have a happy and safe summer with your pets.

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.

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.

Nicola Galloway: Deliciously edible gifts for Christmas

Because nothing says Christmas cheer quite like chocolate.

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?

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.

Recommended reading: Books to take you on a walking journey

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

Permaculture paradise in coastal Waikato

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

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.

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.

A Christmas gift guide for both indoor and outdoor adventure lovers

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

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.

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.

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'

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

From bustling supermarkets to cosy rural delis

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

A book-lover's walk through Dunedin

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

What’s On: NZ Sculpture OnShore

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

Recommended reading: Books for making a fresh start

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

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.

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.

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).

What’s On: Cyclorama 2023

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

Q&A with writer and stylist Tracey Strange Watts

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

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

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

What's On: National Poetry Day 2023

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

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.

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.

Nicola Galloway: Mandarin & beetroot slaw

Zingy citrus flavours brighten winter days and this delicious slaw.

Warming winter drinks to heat up cold days

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

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.

How to make Edam cheese

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

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.

The chainsaw safety tips and tricks you need to know

Make sure you have all the gear and the right idea.

The lifestyle block counsellors preventing burnout

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

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.

How colour drives this clever crafter

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

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.

Nicola Galloway: How to make beetroot Kvass

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

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.

What’s On: Matt Payne at the Parnell Gallery

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

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

Meet the champions of the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards…

The country's finest food producers have been crowned.

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

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.

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.

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

Brie, bocconcini, burrata and everything in between.

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: Pomegranate tabbouleh salad

Recipe: Zeytoon parvardeh

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

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

Recipe: Pear & Prosecco Cocktails

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

Nicola Galloway: Why autumn calls for sauerkraut and salt

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.

A luxe homewares showroom is now open in Christchurch

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

What's on: A farming open day for families

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

6 nutrient-dense herbs to grow (or forage)

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

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.

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.

DIY: A beginner-friendly macramé plant holder

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

Is this succulent frame your next weekend project?

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

What’s On: Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough

New Zealand’s premier garden event is a springtime celebration of Marlborough’s stunning landscape.