Our Life

6 ways to tackle dampness in your home
Stop dampness in its tracks by tracking down the underlying cause. It may be cheaper to fix than you think.

Kid's DIY Project: Make a paper-mache volcano
A simple concoction of vinegar and baking soda gives this volcano an exciting lava flow at the end.

What are autoimmune disorders? This is what you should know
What causes the body to attack itself? The reasons are as varied as the diseases themselves.

How dung beetles can improve soil health and reduce runoff
A Whenuapai firm aims to revolutionize New Zealand agriculture by breeding an army of underground critters.

Why New Zealanders are not natural-born mushroom foragers
Mushroom foraging can be dangerous even in the age of Google.

DIY Project: Make a bandana for your small dog
Small pooches can step up their style with this easy-to-make bandana.

3 preposterous crime podcasts and a right royal rumble with the Catherine the Great
A podcast about a missing crypto queen, and racy Russian queen TV mini series are this week's podcast and TV picks.

Is your home properly insulated? Here's how to find out
There are important steps to take before you invest in a new home heating system.

DIY Project: Make a coat stand from an old door
Turn an old door into a stylish — and useful — piece of furniture.

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.

Why Nicky Pellegrino created the Book Bubble
NZ Author and journalist Nicky Pellegrino says New Zealanders are craving new reading material.

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.

DIY: Make a colourful crochet bag
This cute shoulder bag is easy enough for those just starting their crochet journey.

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.

Nicola Galloway's inspiring garden-to-table life
The real magic happens at snail’s pace in this devoted foodie’s kitchen and garden.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

A couple turns their orchard into an organic garden, café and gallery
Annie and Shaun Wilson stress the importance of having multiple income streams.

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.

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.

Exploring Mount Aspiring National Park in the all new Jeep Gladiator
The new Jeep Gladiator is put through its paces in scenic Central Otago.

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.

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.

DIY project: Make a cute seat from old tyres
Here’s how to turn nasty old tyres into something pretty and useful.

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.

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