Our Life

Solar power is an important source of renewable energy. Think it might be useful at home? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Central Otago artist Deidre Copeland's paintings are immediately recognizable. Big canvases. Hyperrealism.

Making solid shampoo and conditioner bars is a fun, natural way to cut down on excess plastic packaging.

A Hawke’s Bay entrepreneur takes tiny steps to create a better world for future generations.

Pro tip: You won't be able to please everyone.

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

A simple concoction of vinegar and baking soda gives this volcano an exciting lava flow at the end.

What causes the body to attack itself? The reasons are as varied as the diseases themselves.

A Whenuapai firm aims to revolutionize New Zealand agriculture by breeding an army of underground critters.

Mushroom foraging can be dangerous even in the age of Google.

Small pooches can step up their style with this easy-to-make bandana.

A podcast about a missing crypto queen, and racy Russian queen TV mini series are this week's podcast and TV picks.

There are important steps to take before you invest in a new home heating system.

Turn an old door into a stylish — and useful — piece of furniture.

Heart-racing podcasts, a political doco series and a 60s-style variety show top this week's picks.

NZ Author and journalist Nicky Pellegrino says New Zealanders are craving new reading material.

A desire to see the world encouraged an Auckland couple to reimagine their living requirements and move into their reworked garage.

This cute shoulder bag is easy enough for those just starting their crochet journey.

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

Ideas to keep the kids busy this Easter that won’t require dashing to the supermarket for supplies.

Cut packaging out of the equation with homemade beauty essentials.

The real magic happens at snail’s pace in this devoted foodie’s kitchen and garden.

A four-week challenge to reduce carbon emissions identifies an unexpectedly colossal footprint.

In part two of our series, we finish building a mobile roadside stand for selling your farm goods.

An ancient forest atop a Waikato mountain is home to the world’s largest mainland pest-free sanctuary.

Annie and Shaun Wilson stress the importance of having multiple income streams.

Developments in the science of epigenetics, which links genes and the environment, offer fresh insight to preventative healthcare but might have unforeseen consequences.

Volunteer schemes are not a way to get things done for free around your block, but Sheryn has still found it very profitable.

The new Jeep Gladiator is put through its paces in scenic Central Otago.

Forecast rain might be a welcome relief for tank water users across the parched North Island, but now they should be wary of contamination.

Made with twigs ‘n’ twine and a pot-plant saucer, this bird bath will appeal to the arty gardener.

Here’s how to turn nasty old tyres into something pretty and useful.

These new release books are must-reads this summer.

A universal truth is the power of three. In the coastal township of Raglan, three adored baches subscribe to that hypothesis.