Our People

A house made of rammed earth, described by its owners as an “above- ground rabbit burrow”, suits one of the country’s most extreme climates and allows its inhabitants to connect to the elements should they choose.

Six generations of a Canterbury family have brought fresh ideas to the distinctive rolling hills of their Banks Peninsula farm.

Michelle Wilson’s diverse upbringing, from urban Ōtara to rural Kaiaua, offers a unique lens on community, culture and leadership.

A pair of serial entrepreneurs are right at home in the province where they were born.

The Future of Happiness

Dr Cheryl Doig explores why a holistic approach, when it comes to educating, parenting and governing should be considered.

Knitting it all Together

In Orbell Street, Sydenham – once a hub for textile manufacturing in Ōtautahi Christchurch – most of the knitwear factories have long since closed. One of the last remaining is Weft Knitting Company. We meet the company’s tenacious founder Hugh Douglas, whose influence and impact extends well beyond the factory walls.

A patch of remote farmland in Abel Tasman helped two sisters take their first steps towards healing. Now, they’ve created a retreat for others to do the same

When Selina Tusitala Marsh wants to still her mind, she escapes into the arms of an ancient pōhutukawa.

Eating with the eyes: How Resene colour influences NZ Life & Leisure’s food editor Emma Boyd

As the old adage goes, “The eyes eat first.”

A garden designed in 1936 is showing its age — quite beautifully — in the hands of yet another generation of the same clan.

Former Women’s Weekly editor publishes her first novel aged 85

With careers to date including a stint in a Melbourne nightclub and tripping the lights fantastic as an actress, why not a new late-life career?

A 1920s fire station has undergone a modern makeover in the hands of a Whanganui couple.

An important historic home with 4.5 hectares of woodland grounds comes into the hands of new owners.

For the Common Good

When a group of mates wanted a mountain biking clubroom that doubled as a brewery, the vibes were bound to be good. While the original scheme has evolved, the outcome is a charming hub; a place for community to converge in a common place, revelling in tempting food, independent shopping and a welcoming ambiance

Meet our School Leaders 2024

Our annual education special brings 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.

This oasis on the edge of the Kawarau Gorge has evolved over the decades into a retirement haven for the owners — although that doesn’t mean they’re slowing down.

An entrepreneurial couple get the best of both worlds with back-to-back summers.

A beautifully restored northern Wairarapa house, a seven-year labour of love for this much-travelled New Zealand couple, is now arms wide open to guests.

Queenstown's attractions led a new arrival towards the region to ultra running. It has become a voyage of self-discovery.

After escaping inner-city stress for life on the farm, a Waitomo family is offering an oasis for those who wish to do the same.

An Auckland woman finds a creative outlet that brings her joy and delights her community.

From advertising creative to gin distiller, Andi Ross exemplifies the liberating potential of a midlife career change.

The Coromandel artist using colour to brighten up her gallery

After a challenging year for Coromandel, the Mercury Bay Art Escape is back to celebrate its natural and artistic wonders. Meet one of the exhibitors.

Claire Mabey’s favourite chair was saved from a life of destitution at the tip. It now serves as her faithful reading assistant.

Anything but Ordinary – Art Fetiche

While what Ōtautahi company Art Fetiche offer and produce for clients is certainly out of the box, their passion, creativity and big thinking is what sets them apart. Brent Brownlee, wife Raylene and business partner Ben Lakin make a formidable trio, leaving a visual legacy everywhere they turn.

A Passion For Healing – Earth Wellness Sumner

A tumultuous health journey teamed with a passion for wellness has seen Kate Perriam lovingly create Earth Wellness - a haven of tranquillity and healing in Sumner to serve those who are looking for answers outside typical biomedical treatments.

There’s never a dull moment in this striking family home built by an energetic Hamilton family — and that’s just the way they like it.

This jeweller and doctor duo from Poland might be the best ambassadors for tiny living.

The Head of Costume for the Royal New Zealand Ballet is one of the company's most valuable assets.

Natural history ace and active relaxer Alison Ballance’s favourite seat is a non-stationary affair.

The family at the forefront of large-scale organic food production takes us behind the scenes.

Modern-day guests are more coddled than the property’s first war-ravaged inhabitants but they’re still chasing good health.

Julie Wightman – design with meaning

Julie Wightman is passionate about design, fashion, sustainability and most importantly colour. For her, it all comes back to colour.

Re-engaging with Ngai Tahu culturally

Dr Chris Jansen sets out on foot to re-engage with the Ngāi Tahu cultural narrative in Canterbury.