Our Life

Living the Dream

Making internationally acclaimed Theophany audio speakers in his Canterbury home-based factory is literally a dream job for Garth Murray.

These simple steps will keep your cut flowers looking fresh for longer.

A few tricks to ensure you have a good pallet upcycling experience.

Lovely Lola the caravan ensures the Browns relax in colourful comfort whether by the beach, the lake or in the bush.

First there was craft beer, then gin. But is mead the next big artisan drink craze?

This Matakana local has gone from being classed as a hippie to an environment hero.

When fruit trees finish blossoming, the leaves unfurl, and trees set their crop for the season. That’s when it’s time to do your first pick.

Why do we overeat? New research shows the body is at the mercy of two mechanisms when faced with food — hunger and opportunity.

An Oasis of Hope – Trees for Canterbury

Trees for Canterbury is not a standard plant nursery. Manager Steve Bush shares his passion for the not-for-profit organisation, whose mission is to employ disadvantaged people in the community, teach environmental awareness and cultivate native plants for regeneration.

The Perfect Property Storm

Soaring land prices, escalating raw material costs and construction firms scrapping fixed-price builds... there’s plenty of doom and gloom in the media, but there’s also plenty to be excited about, says Nathan Miglani, Mortgage Adviser with Loan Market Paramount.

Experience the New with David Reid Homes Waitaki

It’s been another whirlwind of a year for North Otago husband and wife duo Aaron and Nikki Mackay of David Reid Homes Waitaki/ South Canterbury, but they don’t plan on slowing down, having added two more prestigious accolades to their already burgeoning collection.

A Family Affair – Lady Wigram Retirement Village

Lady Wigram Retirement Village is family-owned and family-run. The village’s sophisticated design, welcoming environment and high-end service level have been the owners’ guiding principles since its opening in 2015.

Breaking Down Barriers – R&P Insurance

Rochelle Carly and Philly McMeekan are bringing a fresh, female and flexible approach to insurance.

Timber Care

Whether you’re tidying up your fence, staining your deck or freshening up furniture, now is the time to enhance and protect your external timber from the likes of water, fungi and UV light.

The Art of Ageing

Introducing Arbonne ’s vegan skincare ranges – AgeWell and LiftIntense – which can be used separately or together to target the signs of ageing and uncover youthful-looking skin.

If a bath beneath a starry, starry sky sounds like your kind of happy, you’re in excellent company.

When wild winds rage across the top of the Hauraki Gulf, it’s time for these farmers to harvest a special crop.

Beth Willis is reviving a colourful 1970s craft — one crocheted daisy earring at a time.

The art of ceramics is piquing national interest, with beginner classes selling out around New Zealand.

It’s all very well for the strong-minded to advise ‘food be thy medicine’, but what if it tastes awful and has the mouthfeel of shoe leather?

Modern dried florals embrace the beauty of twisting leaves and wilting petals.

Make a succulent wreath for Christmas and beyond. This living wreath will easily last until the next holiday season as the succulent cuttings will develop roots in time.

These newspaper seedling pots can be planted straight into the ground.

Lynda indulges her fever for ferns with a tabletop collection of covetable species.

One man’s penchant for potatoes has led to a thriving multigenerational family-run paddock-to-packet potato-chip business.

Backyard Family Travellers

The idea of taking three young children on a mountain hike would leave most parents filled with a sense of dread. But Mid Canterbury-based blogger, marketing freelancer and social media influencer Jen Parkes regularly takes her children – Nathan (seven), Kipton (five), and Emilia (three) – into the great outdoors, and she’s on a mission to show other parents they can too.

Summer Living with Mitre 10 BBQs

From smokers to flat tops, to pizza ovens, outdoor kitchens and hooded solutions, buying a barbecue can be a complex task! Thankfully the teams at Mitre 10 MEGA Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru are on hand with some great advice.

The Beauty of Diversity

Inclusive dance company Jolt is based on the ethos that everyone has the right to dance and find their own creative voice, and the belief that communities are strengthened by the beauty of diversity. Artistic Director Lyn Cotton gives us an insight into this inspirational organisation.

Staunch Heritage Advocate

Saving heritage buildings has been a lifelong mission for Dame Anna Crighton. She explains what they mean to her and why others should care too.

The Next Stage – Lady Wigram Village

The decision to move into a retirement village or aged care facility can be brought about by a number of factors and whether you are looking for yourself or someone you love, it is important you understand the different options available. Rachel Wilson, Care Facility Manager at Lady Wigram Village answers our questions .

The Right Property Investment for You

Mortgage adviser Nathan Miglani looks at why new construction continues to gain in popularity with buyers and highlights a key change to lending that is on its way.

A Touch of Colour

Light and airy is a very popular trend, however adding a touch of colour here and there can create mood and interest.

That old houseplant at your grandma’s house might be worth thousands, but can you make a killing growing the most on-trend houseplants?

A group of (mostly) women are regenerating Gisborne’s flora — one eco-sourced seed at a time.