Our Life

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.

How to make ginger beer at home

The secret to good ginger beer is in the bug, says Sheryn Dean.

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.

DIY: How to make homemade soap

Cut packaging out of the equation with homemade beauty essentials.

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.

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.

New books to add to your reading list

These new release books are must-reads this summer.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to buy the lifestyle block of your dreams

Looking for what is not there is often the hardest part.

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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