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How a Lake Ōhau couple built a treasure-packed barn from ashes

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.

Down in the woods: A Raglan cabin houses handmade artisanal talent

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.

The Piha man bringing athletes to peak performance

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

The Northland homestead going viral with their cast of animal friends

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.

Meet the woman behind the best café in New Zealand

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

View from the top: Dwayne Rennie finds inspiration in his environment

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

Award-winning designer Tracy Grant Lord in her element

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.

The couple bringing this historic Carterton home and garden into the modern era

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

The Wānaka clothing thrifter in love with slow fashion

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

A Gisborne family bringing eco-friendly wool to the masses

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.

Gordon Collier's latest gardening masterpiece

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.

How a vintage Beetle became one wife's great Christmas surprise

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

The Otago glamping haven hidden under tussocks

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

Making its mark: This Otago luxury hunting lodge has a unique offering

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

A Sumner home with an unbeatable view

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

This lush garden near Whanganui took 45 years to plant

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

Strength (in all areas) is the key to rowing success

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.

Jack and Gill went up the Okitu Beach hill

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

This chairman never forgets the legacies of those who came before him

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!

Pluck of the Irish: An Otago winemaking legend's latest project

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.

Why this actor chose the life of a storyteller

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

A call to leadership took this wāhine back to the ahi kaa

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.

The Radon family are farming and crafting in paradise

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

What is canoe slalom? It was the scariest thing this Kiwi ever did

Canoe slalom is not a sport for the faint-hearted. Paddlers must beat the clock, their opponents and, most challenging of all, turbulent water. One teenager is up for the run.

The Taranaki woman sharing her passion for parenting

Even as a pre-teen, this parenting expert knew what she’d do when she had children. And now she shares her knowledge with many others

Retro Revamp

Lisa and Toby Morse have transformed their 1970s Merivale townhouse into a chic new home, infused with playful personality and style .

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