Our People

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.

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

Makeover Brings Smiles

Timaru’s Arvida Strathallan community has plenty to celebrate with the reopening of their renovated hospital-level care household.

Rural meets Style – Hide and Seek Clothing

Penny Williams’ story began in true, old-fashioned Kiwi spirit: with a bit of innovation, design flair and DIY. Now her business Hide & Seek Clothing has bloomed beyond her wildest dreams.

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.

Nutrition from the Sea – United Fisheries

Sitting across the table from Kypros Kotzikas it is hard not to get caught up in the passion and vibrancy he has for life. At 79 years of age he is far from slowing down; in fact his retirement projects are bigger than some people’s careers!

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.

Antonia and Mike Radon farm pāua, sheep and cattle, grow pearls, host visitors and sell jewellery to tourists in Whekenui Bay, Marlborough Sounds.