Our Life

Heart-racing podcasts, a political doco series and a 60s-style variety show top this week's picks.

NZ Author and journalist Nicky Pellegrino says New Zealanders are craving new reading material.

A desire to see the world encouraged an Auckland couple to reimagine their living requirements and move into their reworked garage.

This cute shoulder bag is easy enough for those just starting their crochet journey.

The secret to good ginger beer is in the bug, says Sheryn Dean.

Ideas to keep the kids busy this Easter that won’t require dashing to the supermarket for supplies.

Cut packaging out of the equation with homemade beauty essentials.

The real magic happens at snail’s pace in this devoted foodie’s kitchen and garden.

A four-week challenge to reduce carbon emissions identifies an unexpectedly colossal footprint.

In part two of our series, we finish building a mobile roadside stand for selling your farm goods.

The Healing Power of Play

Radio Lollipop is an international children’s charity providing play and entertainment for children in hospital. Sue Kingham went along to meet some of the volunteers and discovered they are just what the doctor ordered.

An ancient forest atop a Waikato mountain is home to the world’s largest mainland pest-free sanctuary.

Annie and Shaun Wilson stress the importance of having multiple income streams.

Developments in the science of epigenetics, which links genes and the environment, offer fresh insight to preventative healthcare but might have unforeseen consequences.

Volunteer schemes are not a way to get things done for free around your block, but Sheryn has still found it very profitable.

The new Jeep Gladiator is put through its paces in scenic Central Otago.

Forecast rain might be a welcome relief for tank water users across the parched North Island, but now they should be wary of contamination.

Made with twigs ‘n’ twine and a pot-plant saucer, this bird bath will appeal to the arty gardener.

Here’s how to turn nasty old tyres into something pretty and useful.

These new release books are must-reads this summer.

A universal truth is the power of three. In the coastal township of Raglan, three adored baches subscribe to that hypothesis.

Even city dwellers can forage for edible finds with a few rudimentary guidelines to keep the tummy happy and the neighbours sweet, says Lucy Corry

In part one of a two part series, learn how to build a mobile roadside stand for selling your farm goods.

Dinky, red and full of green cred, a wheezing Citroën 2CV van gets a zippy new electric life.

Make summer fruit and veggies last through winter with these simple preserving techniques, including low-sugar options for fruit bottling and jams.

If you could give one piece of advice to block owners, what would it be? Some long-time growers share their words of wisdom.

NZ Life & Leisure columnist Polly Greeks is building an off-grid mudbrick home in the Far North. The family of four’s pizza oven is not just a luxury, it’s an essential part of life.

Looking for what is not there is often the hardest part.

It’s more than a storehouse of treasured family memories, more than a good example of 1960s bach architecture. It’s a museum of its era and now it has inspired a book.

It’s time to have a rest and spend time enjoying the summer sun, but burglars love your beach holiday as much as you do.

Looking for a natural solution for too much sun? Jane Wrigglesworth digs up four herbs good for treating mild sunburn.

Sick of losing plants because you forgot to water them? Make life easier by installing irrigation.

Show your love to friends and family, with  a home made gift idea for Christmas.  Find here eight DIY projects plus 16 baking ideas that will make them smile.

Dreaming of a green Christmas? Deck the halls naturally with this fresh festive decoration.