Our Life

A calculated guess by a doctor nearly two centuries ago continues to influence the world today.

Meet our School Leaders 2023

Our annual education special once again is designed to bring you a unique insight into those leading some of our most prestigious schools and the visions they have for their school community in the year ahead.

Predicting the Future in a Changing World

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in recent years, it’s that you never know what’s around the corner – the latest example being the weather events in the North Island. Nathan Miglani, Managing Director and Head of Lending at NZ Mortgages , discusses what lies ahead for the housing market.

Are You Pricing Your House Right?

Real Estate agent and local property expert Keith MacDonald shares an insight into the pricing process to ensure we are getting it right.

Nourished by Nature – Ocean and Green

Ocean & Green founder Daneen Morgan educates us on the natural benefits of marine nutrition, helping us to optimise our health, vitality and radiance.

Kid’s Reading Corner Apr/May

Sara Shand from Emma's at Oxford is in the hot seat - sharing her top picks for kids’ and young adult titles. Happy reading!

What’s Hot – Trends with Resene

Resene Canterbury Design Advocate Brooke Calvert guides us through the must-have hues for the year ahead.

On The Shelf – Apr/May 2023

As the cooler months settle in we have some hot new reads to keep you entertained! Reviews by Norma Geddes, Julie McGrath, Belinda O’Keefe and Lucinda Diack. Happy Reading!

An old railway carriage, named Primrose because of the flower’s association with love, renewal and optimism, has found a new home on a hillside overlooking the sea.

A used shipping container has travelled the equivalent of a trip to the moon and back, and is still tough enough to become a dream house.

Some people get socks for their birthday; the owner of this Model A Ford was gifted an automotive classic.

Water, water everywhere and far too much to drink…

For those struggling to drift off into slumberland, it's time to get back to basics.

Hundreds of old-school caravans have been restored and returned to the roads in recent years. Each reflects the personality of its owner in a kaleidoscope of ways — and is infinitely interesting for it.

One of the world’s largest one-day regatta fleets sets sail every Auckland Anniversary Day.

This macrame plant holder project is ideal for beginners - and your next rainy day.

A backcountry hut along the Forgotten World Highway lights up thanks to the sun.

Adding herbs and spices lift a dish's taste and can help improve your mood.

Perfume the air with heavenly scented floating candles while entertaining al fresco − and fend off bite-y bugs while you are at it.

The DIY straw bale home and food forest garden of Monika and Hermann Geister is their recipe for life, and a labour of love.

It’s loved by visitors to Arrowtown for its historic 1870s bones, but Stevenson’s Cottage is a portal to the halcyon days of this family’s 1980s youth.

A Dunedin designer’s beautiful bespoke garments incorporate wild pest fur. No wonder Central Otago’s plentiful rabbits steer well clear of Jane Avery’s tiny Earnscleugh holiday cabin.

Looking for Light

Expect high interest rates to stay for some months yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel as inflation comes under control,says Mortgage Adviser and Owner of Loan Market Paramount, Nathan Miglani.

Competition in a Property Sale

Resident real estate expert Keith MacDonald from Harcourts Grenadier Real Estate provides some advice when it comes to navigating competition in a property sale.

On The Shelf – Feb/Mar 2023

Whether you are beachside, poolside or enjoying some screen-free time in the campground, our team of reviewers (Lucinda Diack, Norma Geddes and Belinda O’Keefe) have some great books to keep you busy. Happy reading.

Solving The Cost of Learning Crisis with KidsCan

KidsCan is a frontline charity tackling child poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand. Founder and CEO Julie Chapman, who is guest speaker at this year’s Zonta Ashburton International Women’s Day Breakfast, says more children than ever will need help with food and other essentials so they don’t miss out on learning this year.

How to update a tired lampshade with Resene

If you’ve got a tired old lampshade, don’t throw it out – upcycle it in a few easy steps! Resene testpots are great for this project and with a huge range of colours it’s easy to find the perfect colour scheme to suit your house. Penny Newton from Crafty Girl Life Hacks shows us how.

Kid’s Reading Corner Feb/Mar

Sara Shand from Emma's at Oxford is in the hot seat to share her top picks for kids’ and young adult titles. Happy reading!

Literacy Matters

Our country used to be celebrated as a leader in the teaching of reading. Our standards of literacy were high, we could write in proper sentences, our handwriting was neat and we could spell. So what went wrong? Cheryl Doig explores.

His gallery is a Gypsy Caravan, he is possibly a gypsy himself, but Blair Somerville is far from lost in the world of fantastical art.

Life in Aotearoa is celebrated in a bach and matching tiny house on the Horowhenua coast.

Approaching a century old, the Iona lies high and dry on the eastern bank of the Whanganui River. Her working days may be behind her, but this beautiful fishing boat is far from washed up.

Seven years ago, David and Jennifer Rodrigue were townies, dreaming of the country. Today, they produce award-winning boutique cheeses and share their lives with a herd of happy princesses.

Light up your backyard with these glowing orbs of twine.