Our Life
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DIY Project: Make a coat stand from an old door
Turn an old door into a stylish — and useful — piece of furniture.
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Editor's Picks: Podcasts and TV shows to keep you entertained
Heart-racing podcasts, a political doco series and a 60s-style variety show top this week's picks.
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Why Nicky Pellegrino created the Book Bubble
NZ Author and journalist Nicky Pellegrino says New Zealanders are craving new reading material.
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This 15sqm garage-turned-tiny house features a catamaran-inspired trampoline
A desire to see the world encouraged an Auckland couple to reimagine their living requirements and move into their reworked garage.
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DIY: Make a colourful crochet bag
This cute shoulder bag is easy enough for those just starting their crochet journey.
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4 easy activities to do with kids over Easter
Ideas to keep the kids busy this Easter that won’t require dashing to the supermarket for supplies.
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Nicola Galloway's inspiring garden-to-table life
The real magic happens at snail’s pace in this devoted foodie’s kitchen and garden.
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'How scooters, macaroni cheese and a kowhai helped me save 3.4 tonnes of carbon'
A four-week challenge to reduce carbon emissions identifies an unexpectedly colossal footprint.
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Build a cute-as-a-button fruit and vegetable stand (part 2)
In part two of our series, we finish building a mobile roadside stand for selling your farm goods.
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A 47km pest-proof fence near Cambridge can keep even baby mice out
An ancient forest atop a Waikato mountain is home to the world’s largest mainland pest-free sanctuary.
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A couple turns their orchard into an organic garden, café and gallery
Annie and Shaun Wilson stress the importance of having multiple income streams.
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What you need to know about epigenetics
Developments in the science of epigenetics, which links genes and the environment, offer fresh insight to preventative healthcare but might have unforeseen consequences.
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The benefits of hosting volunteers on your block
Volunteer schemes are not a way to get things done for free around your block, but Sheryn has still found it very profitable.
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Exploring Mount Aspiring National Park in the all new Jeep Gladiator
The new Jeep Gladiator is put through its paces in scenic Central Otago.
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20+ things you need to know if you're on tank water during a drought
Forecast rain might be a welcome relief for tank water users across the parched North Island, but now they should be wary of contamination.
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DIY: Make your own hanging bird bath
Made with twigs ‘n’ twine and a pot-plant saucer, this bird bath will appeal to the arty gardener.
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DIY project: Make a cute seat from old tyres
Here’s how to turn nasty old tyres into something pretty and useful.
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The Perry family on how to "Raglan-afy" a bach
A universal truth is the power of three. In the coastal township of Raglan, three adored baches subscribe to that hypothesis.
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Lucy Corry: The city dweller's guide to foraging
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
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Build this cute-as-a-button fruit and vegetable stand
In part one of a two part series, learn how to build a mobile roadside stand for selling your farm goods.
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Citroën 2CV van gets an electric makeover
Dinky, red and full of green cred, a wheezing Citroën 2CV van gets a zippy new electric life.
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Preserves 101: How to sterilize jars and preserve fruit safely
Make summer fruit and veggies last through winter with these simple preserving techniques, including low-sugar options for fruit bottling and jams.
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8 lessons from long-time lifestyle block owners
If you could give one piece of advice to block owners, what would it be? Some long-time growers share their words of wisdom.
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How Polly Greeks uses a pizza oven for off-grid living (plus her time-tested oven tips)
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.
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How to buy the lifestyle block of your dreams
Looking for what is not there is often the hardest part.
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Kiwiana décor, homewares and art in a 1960s Fibrolite bach
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.
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How to prevent burglars on your rural property
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.
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How to make natural after-sun skincare
Looking for a natural solution for too much sun? Jane Wrigglesworth digs up four herbs good for treating mild sunburn.
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How to set up an irrigation system PLUS how to use Olla terracotta pots
Sick of losing plants because you forgot to water them? Make life easier by installing irrigation.
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8 homemade gift ideas plus 16 baking treats
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.