Our Land

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Functional, Beautiful, Sustainable – Mt Nicholas Merino

Mt Nicholas Merino are on a mission to share their ethos for an environmentally responsible way of life well beyond their remote farm gate with the launch of their product range. A collection designed to complement their already highly sought-after yarn.

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.

A fresh start for a January garden

Start the new year with a thriving garden.

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

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

Gardening in Summer with Flora

As the garden bursts into full bloom, resident expert Flora Brons of Flora Grow offers some guidance around what needs to be done.

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

Permaculture paradise in coastal Waikato

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

You can use fresh or frozen fat when rendering.

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

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

Rebecca Stewart: Living with the seasons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Half-Arsed Stops Here

The thought of your loved one lying in the ditch in the dark, pinned down under a quad bike, drifting in and out of consciousness waiting for help is a common fear of many with family, friends and colleagues working on-farm in New Zealand. A recent campaign to curb the ‘she’ll be right attitude’ has emerged at a crucial time for farmers under pressure.

The Magic of Gardening with Flora

It’s that special time again when everyone gets the gardening bug, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Labour Weekend is on the horizon and the silly season is fast approaching, and the garden has sprung to life! Flora Brons of Flora Grow provides a helping hand for where to start.

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