Our People

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.

A picturesque patch of land in the Tasman region near Nelson grows in beauty and usefulness thanks to two expat kaitiakitanga.

A phoenix arising from the destruction of fire is a perfect metaphor for the new home of a family who lost everything in the 2020 Lake Ōhau fires.

A family used to living in far-flung countries has now returned to this 40-hectare Raglan lifestyle block, where their entrepreneurial natures have free reign.

A strong sense of place gives mind-body coach Dave Wood a grounded foundation.

From a small farm in Northland, a young couple have amassed a huge Instagram following by sharing down-to-earth content about their new rural life.

A Buzzing Success – The Little Honey Co

A passion for apiculture and a creative drive has seen a family honey business evolve from an entrepreneurial dream to a sweet success in Mid Canterbury.

A Backcountry Voice – Jan Finlayson

Jan Finlayson is an advocate for outdoor access and after years of leadership and advocacy, her contribution has been awarded with an Outdoor Access Champion Award. However, there’s more to Jan that just paper roads!

Forest foraging sees nature, art and cuisine collide for this Danish artist

Gathering ingredients from the bush is an art for this Scandinavian-born creative.

A Motueka café was recently named Best Café in New Zealand. Its creator wonders how it all happened.

Lake Ōhau inspires Dwayne Rennie to get out with his camera, day and night

Whether a touring opera or recounting a story over coffee... she always sets the scene.

An artist finds a unique way to rebuild her home after an earthquake

An artistic spark and a commitment to recycling helped Belinda Paton turn the ruins of her home into a creative sanctuary.

One of the country’s leading gardens is entering a new phase in the hands of a Wellington lawyer and his design-focused partner.

An obsession with pre-loved fashion has set serial thrift-er Lydia Bishop on her feet.

The market for strong wool has been in decline for decades. A family with 120-plus years in the trade is determined to reverse the fibre’s fortunes.