Our People

Five generations of the Blundell family have made their home at Riverhaven in Clevedon, south-east of Auckland, first as farmers, then orchardists, and now artists.

A stroll a day keeps the weeds at bay along this walkway, created by two retirees in the Bay of Islands.

Rachel McNae is playing a lead role in encouraging women to tie flies, step into their waders and go fishing.

She is an artist, he has grand ideas; a couple so enamoured with bringing beauty to the world has transformed a Waiheke hillside into an earth-brick masterpiece.

The creative endeavours — goldwork, jewelry and flax-derived lace — of three Antipodean artisans shine brightly at Uzbekistan’s new folk-art festival.

A craftsman working in stone, iron and wood channels his Celtic forebears and takes his time to make everything look just so.

Two men, two dogs and 50-odd phones vie for space in a 19th-century Naseby mud-brick home.

Ngāti Ranginui chair Donna Ngaronoa Gardiner focuses her leadership on common iwi goals within Tauranga Moana so future generations can grow and strengthen their connections.

Beautifully Useful – Honest Wolf

Finding that balance between rural living and corporate career has been a challenge many of us have encountered and navigated. For Sophie Hurley, it has culminated in a fashion brand that has grown beyond her wildest dreams.

The Joy of Independence – More Mobility

For the last 15 years, the team at More Mobility have been providing mobility and living solutions to Canterbury and beyond, but the dedication to their community goes far beyond selling mobility aids.

A Literary Legacy – Keri Hulme WORD Christchurch

Award-winning novelist and Kāi Tahu writer, the late Keri Hulme, spoke of how whakapapa defined her. The Bone People, her first novel, won her international acclaim after receiving the Booker Prize in 1985. Weaving together Māori mythology and European tradition with themes of love and violence, it remains one of this country’s most powerfully unique novels. Her literary legacy will be honoured at WORD Christchurch 2022 .

Flying is in Their Blood – Air Safaris

Offering both fixed wing and helicopter flights over the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand, the Raywards’ passion for flying has propelled a successful family business, with three generations bringing Air Safaris to great heights.

The Wild Man From Borneo – David Fox

David Fox’s career has spanned over half a century covering the wilds of Borneo as well as major residential projects in Canterbury.

Becoming Tangata Tiriti

Dr Chris Jansen opens up about his journey as a Pakeha New Zealander when it comes to understanding his identity as Tangata Tiriti .

An Argentinian couple built a chocolate business in the Southern Lakes out of a deep longing for the tastes of their childhood.

Farming life is changing rapidly. But for this Rangitīkei family, the land still has an incredible tug.

A pampered plane lets its devoted humans share its fancy hangar on a high-country station in mid-Canterbury.

Professional rugby isn’t only about what happens on match day; personal development is an essential part of the modern game.

Lynda Hallinan finds her happy place in a tiny house decorated with op-shop treasures, an abundance of plants and hues of green.

Of all the far-flung places this couple has been — and film sets they’ve seen — a heritage villa in rural Hawke’s Bay is the showstopper that surpasses them all.

A Sport Waikato initiative is helping females of all ages to feel comfortable about their bodies and encouraging them to be active.

Estella Lee is inspiring Auckland’s Chinese community to become more involved in conservation.

Christopher and Susanna Grace, both well-known in the farming and horseracing industries, downsized when they moved from their Hunterville farm to the Kāpiti Coast. But they continue to live as if just out of the starting gates.

From organic apples to apple cider vinegar, an Ōtaki business has had a common-sense evolution. The progression from vinegar-maker father to daughter is just as logical.

Monica Galetti’s tastes were awakened by the fresh fruit and seafood of Samoa, then sweetened on the processed delights of 1980s Wellington. Now one of Britain's leading chefs, she’s wowing visitors with a dash of Pacific passion at her London restaurant, Mere.

Ancient trees and modern technology are a winning combination for Chatham Island apiculturists Kaai Silbery and Francesca Bonventre.

It's been reworked, rebuilt, re-engineered and re-imagined, but this little car has retained its big heart.

A hospital volunteer discovers a good yarn can be as therapeutic as medicine — for patients and himself alike.

Thomas Schneider’s whimsical approach to significant issues results in a profusion of sculptures and statues, flowers and trees, animals and birds, and all critters — great and small.

Dance Magic, Dance – Corey Baker

Kiwi work ethic and a love of performance has seen Corey Baker’s résumé grow from shovelling horse poo to choreographing the Commonwealth Games.

Art in the Fast Lane – Jacob Root

This autumn, street artist Jacob Root (aka ‘ Distranged Design ’) swapped life in Ōtautahi Christchurch for an extended stay in Los Angeles, the city that first inspired his artistic career five years ago. We ask how he’s been making his mark on the City of Angels.

This Taranaki singer-songwriter writes her own rules for thriving in Aotearoa’s competitive music scene.

An illustrator and author gives children an insight into Aotearoa’s extraordinary natural world, from extinct monster birds to modern backyard beasts.

An environmental artist, dipping into her palette of life experiences, is painting a brighter future for young creatives in West Auckland. It’s her most powerful work yet.