Our Life

A doctor weighs in on plants vs meat

Should we eat animals? Many voices say food from plants is enough. So who is right? Dr Roderick Mulgan ponders the important questions.

4 things about firewood for a cosy winter

Knowing your hardwoods from your softwoods makes a big difference.

The history of Haldon Station

One of New Zealand’s iconic high-country stations, the 22,000-hectare Haldon Station in the Mackenzie Country, stars in a new book tracing its history, owners, managers and staff.

How to make a cosy hot-water bottle cover

Give Jack Frost the cold shoulder with this easy-to-make ‘hottie’ coat made from recycled materials.

DIY: Make this easy, felt-ball trivet

Protect your table and benchtops from hot pots and pans with this colourful trivet. Time to felt up and get rolling!

Meet Wellington's all-electric turquoise ferry

There’s a new player in Wellington Harbour cruising alongside the familiar red tugboats and lumbering Interislander ferries.

5 things to know about inverters when you go off-grid

Solar panels are the visible sign of an off-grid power system, but at its heart is a little box with a big job.

World wanderers return to nest in a Far North tiny house

For two years, this couple traveled in a Jeep throughout the Americas, the length of Africa and into many of Europe’s far-flung corners — often facing great danger. But the lessons they learned together on the road will drive them into an exciting future.

5 fireplace trends to cosy up to

Some of the biggest design trends are contemporary rustic and cottage décor, with fires being a key feature.

Rangitīkei: Where to raft, fish, stroll and explore

On the Rangitīkei stretch of SH1— from the Manawatū and southwest to Horowhenua’s Foxton — rivers, lakes, wetlands and beaches create a vibrant ecosystem well worth a visit.

Hūhana Lyndon on using her influence for good

Hūhana Lyndon, previously a vocal critic of the Ngātiwai Trust Board, is its new chief executive.

The Akaroa Men's Shed has become the talk of the town

A retiree joins a global movement, lending a hand to build relationships — and neighbourhoods.

Good for the Planet, People and Profit

As the world goes back to the understanding that food is thy medicine, this pioneering family’s adventure sees them on the cusp of an exciting industry.

Growing an idyllic lifestyle (and garden-fresh ventures) on the Kina Peninsula

A natural phenomenon helped one Tasman woman shake off serious post-op complications and led to a thriving produce and floristry business involving an entire family.

Going Neutral with Resene

Neutrals have such a calming style and are super versatile within any space. But going neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. Resene colour consultant Brooke Calvert explains.

Functional Keratin

Powerful, natural supplement keratin protein is essential for the development of healthy skin, hair and nails. Natalie Harrison of Christchurch’s Kiri10 explains what it is, and why we need it.

What’s Next for Housing?

The 2021 property market took the country by storm, surprising even the most seasoned spectators and instigating a raft of changes designed to take the heat off. So is housing still hot property? Loan Market Paramount Mortgage Adviser Nathan Miglani fills us in on what we can expect in 2022.

Meet our School Leaders 2022

Our annual education special once again features a combination of our head student and principal features, 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.

For the Love of Black – The Wardrobe Stories

This is the first installment of The Wardrobe Stories, where photographer Kerri Devine and Lisa Willetts, owner of fashion and homeware store Louis Who , take us beyond the front door and into the wardrobe.

Not Just About Cars

John Hutchinson is a man with a passion for people, vehicles and giving back to his team and community. The recently opened redevelopment of the Team Hutchinson Ford showroom and workshop in central Christchurch is testament to that.

A Flax Mill in the Family

An old concrete building near Oxford stands tall like a weathered sentinel in a landscape of fields and quietly grazing sheep. Though built in the early 1940s, this is no former army bunker or military supplies depot. In fact, this old flax mill once served a wartime need for linen fibre. Through the intervening decades, its story has become interwoven with that of a rural Oxford family who have preserved its heritage and opened the building as a wedding and events venue.

Why you should light your fire upside down

This is how to light a clean fire, according to two Norwegian wood-burning experts.

The Kiwi company keeping its cool with eco-friendly refrigeration

When temperatures soar, the hum of air conditioning and refrigeration units sound an ominous chorus. This company is offering a greener solution.

10+ tips for starting a compost for beginners

Even when minimising waste much as possible, some food scraps can’t be eaten. Here's how best to combat food scraps.

Lynda Hallinan's tips for surviving tough gardening times

When the going gets tough, it’s not just the tough who get going.

20 tips for aspiring BnB hosts

If you live in paradise and want extra income, it makes sense to invite people to stay. Sheryn shares her lessons hosting visitors from near and far.

A couple creates a secluded retreat in the treetops of their farm

Diversification was on the cards when a buzz-loving broadcaster moved to a remote Canterbury valley with a sixth-generation farmer. Million Springs farm is today host to 2000 cows and a business in the trees.

These block owners are helping kids reconnect with nature

A Northland family share the healing powers of their land to help children in crisis, and it’s working.

Summer at Lynda Hallinan’s means two things — card games and cocktails

Summer is a time for garden parties and picnics. Let the games begin.

Treading Lightly On The Earth

Nothing should get in the way of enjoying our outdoors, least of all uncomfortable shoes! Leading New Zealand family-owned business Nevada Sport are passionate about inspiring others to get into the outdoors, while caring for New Zealand’s great outdoors along the way.

DIY: How to create a macramé plant hanger

With this super-simple macramé hanger, you’ll always have fresh flowers – or herbs – on hand.

Is a cold shower good for your heath?

There are times when stressing out the system can be good for the health — ask the artery-blessed Ama of Japan.

Is a Short, Sharp Correction on the Property Cards?

New Zealand’s overheated property market has shattered record after record in the past year, with house prices skyrocketing by close to 30 per cent in 12 months alone. But is a short, sharp correction on the property cards? Nathan Miglani, Mortgage Adviser with Loan Market Paramount fills us in.

The Gift of Sound

Together with the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme you can make an impact today and give the gift of hearing to a profoundly deaf New Zealander.

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