Our People

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.

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.

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 .

The sedate setting of a lawn bowls rink is a world away from rugby grounds.

A way with words has coloured the career of this Wellington polyglot.

The colourful and ordered home of a university librarian belies the chaos of her insatiable curiosity and the challenge of discovering her tikanga.

With Ngāti Kurī and Swiss whakapapa, Henri Jacques Burkhardt, aka Harry, has come into his tribal leadership role occupying “grey spaces”.

Seven generations of one family have loved Lavericks Bay life, and now visitors can also enjoy the many charms of this secluded sheep farm.

Kristine Kerr became the first female member in the history of the Australian Society of Golf Course Architects when inducted in 2010.

He is good at building things; she is clever in the garden. The home and life they’ve built together are outward-focused, expansive and rewarding.

A house so leak-free it might pop if air were pumped into it delights its owners-designers, who smile every day at its light and effective footprint.