Our People

Lynda indulges her fever for ferns with a tabletop collection of covetable species.

One man’s penchant for potatoes has led to a thriving multigenerational family-run paddock-to-packet potato-chip business.

From Hollywood to Amberley

Camille Solari’s life has all the glittering bright lights of a Hollywood novel. Her career has seen her work with some of the biggest names in film and television, headlining stand-up shows across the globe.

Inspiring Fashion

Many would baulk at the idea of opening a new shop with little to no notice. But for Suzanne Talbot, her experience and knowledge of the local retail sector in Timaru saw her dive in headfirst, opening the doors of her second clothing store, Inspired on Stafford, within a month of the opportunity presenting itself.

A Wildly Natural Venture

Raglan’s famed black sand coastlines loom large in Daneen Morgan’s sea salt flavoured memories of childhood. Her hometown in the Waikato is a surfing mecca and she recalls long summer days spent in the water. This is where she learned to swim and first strapped on a pair of water skis. Her father made aluminium fishing boats and pleasure craft for a living and family life with her two younger sisters revolved around the ocean.

First chemistry, then food, followed by painting and now sculpted and wearable art — for several decades, this artistic soul has been fully occupied creating what inspires her.

A group of (mostly) women are regenerating Gisborne’s flora — one eco-sourced seed at a time.

Successful organizations rely on clear cultural values, vision, authenticity, and creative thinking, says this professional director.

A backcountry hut along the Forgotten World Highway is a befitting backdrop for this city-eschewing couple.

Fresh apples and creativity are at the core of this reinvention of a spicy classic.

A Queenstown couple take on the task of nurturing Aotearoa’s most valuable and important resource.

Step back in time and watch a 19th-century printing press in action.

The art of decorative knotting is making a comeback, says Jade Parkinson.

A bonsai collector shares the lesson of caring for artfully pruned trees.

A crusade against the noxious vine has grown from one to a thousand-strong team.

Two global citizens who dropped anchor in Waiheke Island continue to grab opportunities as soon as they come along in a home that melds identity and imagination.

An Italian couple recreates favourite cheeses from home.

A tragic search-and-rescue mission prompted these innovators to rethink aircraft safety.

Detective novels were such fun to read, this travel writer wondered if they would be as much fun to create. She found out.

Your Very Good Health

The founder of Pegasus Bay Winery and retired neurologist, Ivan Donaldson, shares his thoughts on Canterbury wine, medical progress, and staying happy and healthy.

Liquid Gold

For many years Jan Whyte had a dream; she wanted to grow olives. Despite finding her role as a family doctor in New Zealand very fulfilling, her dream persisted. Her sister Esther Paddon shares an insight into the journey Jan and her husband Niall Holland embarked on to make this dream a reality.

A Raglan couple developed an alternative idea over six years — and now they’ve fermented it.

A devastating diagnosis forced an ambitious athlete to give up the sports she loved. Determined to keep exercising, she took the plunge into ocean swimming.

So she said: ‘I’d really like a stone glasshouse.’ And he said: ‘Sure, I know exactly what you mean. I’ll build it.’ And he did.

A steady hand helps this Lower Hutt woman create tiny scenes, people and things.

A block in Raglan that started with very few prospects is now one of the most wish-listed places to stay on Airbnb.

Tora Bay on the South Wairarapa coast is home to a new venture and top-notch kaimoana.

A psychology student’s budding business, providing solace when she most needed it, is rooted in the belief that homegrown flowers can heal the mind, body and soul.

Several generations of two families — one Japanese, the other Bohemian — live on in the work of two artists, a couple working in Tīmaru.

Dion Kilminster produces top-quality beef and lamb — but the road to success constantly challenges him.

A pastry chef is constructing a slower, sweeter life in Hastings after bidding adieu to a law career in Paris.

This Christchurch entrepreneur hopes the country will fall back in love with woolly wonders.

The founders of beverage company Ārepa are aiming high with the twin goals of creating the world’s smartest drink and building New Zealand’s first billion-dollar beverage company.

A mad idea sown in a tin shed has grown into a bountiful business, taking this go-getting family from the Waikato to the world.