Our People

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pushing close to four score and 10 isn’t deterring this horticultural legend from developing a third significant garden.

Don’t be fooled by the mild-mannered exterior of Alan Bekhuis’ 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.

What was once a rocky outcrop used by shepherds is now the site of an off-grid retreat.

A South Island high-country farm is attracting high-value international tourists thanks to its growing reputation.

Undaunted by the pitfalls presented by a perilously steep slope, this Christchurch couple forged ahead anyway, seeing potential in the site — and that view.

She has the brains; he has the vision. Together, this couple has developed an extraordinary and surprising garden.

Louise Storey’s role at Rowing New Zealand is to help the country's rowing elite cope with the pressure-cooker environment of high-performance sport.

A brother, his hard-working sister and their partners created a forest on a hillside above the Pacific Ocean.

Bayden Barber’s path to a significant tribal leadership role was inevitable, given the influence of his elders on his upbringing.

The man often referred to as the godfather of Central Otago wine is still chasing the perfect pinot well into his 80s.

Bruce Topp’s British rogue is the perfect fit

The Jensen Interceptor was the dream of someone who wanted something a bit different. Bruce Topp is that someone.

The New Zealand Samoan actor credits high school teachers for allowing him to see acting was more than just a hobby

With Taranaki Maunga physically at her back and spiritually guiding her, Paula Carr is contributing to her Ngāruahine iwi with innovative ideas and by connecting people.