Our Life

Ned Hayes' novel The Eagle Tree is an honest depiction of autism, without heavy-handed sentimentality, writes Miranda Spary.

A bubbly soapmaker has turned her favourite hobby into a cottage industry on her Otago small block.

In this week's water cooler, we devour delicious bliss balls, sing along with Geoff Chapple, and give away tickets to an award-winning Christchurch play.

When was the last time you read a poem? Try something new for poetry day Friday (26 August). You might get to pat a puppy...

The wind-up to spring planting is starting, and one big decision is going to have year-long repercussions.

This week in the water cooler, we savour the new season grapefruit, say hello to Talking Tom and make the best crackers EVER

The Screen Sirens discuss why you should binge-watch the Lightbox drama UnREAL.

This shipping container uses every square inch to nurture the future of country kids, and the adults too.

Farm trips for the kids, a movie that made our heart sing and yet more dogs... things that got us talking in the thisNZlife office this week.

This week in the water cooler: we sing the praises of the refugee Olympic team, discover a historic gem in Whanganui and have a light bulb moment.

This week in the water cooler: we make new discoveries on Netflix, search for the perfect umbrella tree and plan survival strategies for The Food Show

Book reviewer Miranda Spary sees the world differently after reading The Reader on the 6.27 by Jean-Paul Didierlaurent.

This week in the water cooler, we find an use for The NZ Herald, relive our calf club glory days and pay homage to a canine Frida Kahlo.

In this episode the book club lives up to its name - talking about everything from 50 Shades of Grey to sleeping in the same bed as James Bond while reviewing The Couple Next Door.

This neck gecko scarf is made from reflective wool and is a good project for beginner knitters.

Urban eco warrior Jessica Rose suggests some easy lifestyle changes to make for Plastic-Free July.

This week in the watercooler the thisNZlife team talks about tough nuts, big friendly giants and big friendly vegetables.

The Screen Sirens enter the ring for a Jane Austen rumble when reviewing this adaptation of the Austen novella Lady Susan.

With art in his arteries, Michael MacMillan maintains a family tradition in a valley of hops and hopefulness, his greatest supporter by his side.

Cheree Morrison puts pedal to the metal on the Highlands Motorsport Park course in Cromwell.

This week thisNZlife office we were talking about greyhound couture, cake culture, popcorn for breakfast.

The club were divided over My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante.

We review the new Yann Martel book and discover a new talent in historical fiction.

From weird face masks to smart skin patches, there are plenty of beauty trends to help you face the future.

Chainsaws are an essential backyard tool, but it pays to do your research before you buy and learn how to maintain them.

Busy bees, balls of bliss and a country bumpkin and her pumpkins - things that got us talking this week.

The Screen Sirens find Emilia Clarke's eyebrows hypnotic in Me Before You.

Riding an ATV is a learned skill and if you don’t do it properly you can easily be badly hurt.

Winter is an ideal time to clean  your water tank.

A jet-setter's secret weapon and why Morrinsville is the place to be - things that got the thisNZlife office talking this week.

Book reviewer Rosemarie White says this 672 page book is worth its weight in gold (even if it doesn't fit in her handbag).

Cultural wonders, spectacular solar footage and a pawsome way to hook up - Frances Jones premieres what's hot in tech at the moment.

Some cars lead a colourful life this, is  the story of vibrant Italian icon called Niko.

The thisNZlife team reveal what got them talking this week.