Our People

A house made of rammed earth, described by its owners as an “above- ground rabbit burrow”, suits one of the country’s most extreme climates and allows its inhabitants to connect to the elements should they choose.

Six generations of a Canterbury family have brought fresh ideas to the distinctive rolling hills of their Banks Peninsula farm.

Michelle Wilson’s diverse upbringing, from urban Ōtara to rural Kaiaua, offers a unique lens on community, culture and leadership.

A pair of serial entrepreneurs are right at home in the province where they were born.

A patch of remote farmland in Abel Tasman helped two sisters take their first steps towards healing. Now, they’ve created a retreat for others to do the same

When Selina Tusitala Marsh wants to still her mind, she escapes into the arms of an ancient pōhutukawa.

Eating with the eyes: How Resene colour influences NZ Life & Leisure’s food editor Emma Boyd

As the old adage goes, “The eyes eat first.”

A garden designed in 1936 is showing its age — quite beautifully — in the hands of yet another generation of the same clan.

Former Women’s Weekly editor publishes her first novel aged 85

With careers to date including a stint in a Melbourne nightclub and tripping the lights fantastic as an actress, why not a new late-life career?

A 1920s fire station has undergone a modern makeover in the hands of a Whanganui couple.

An important historic home with 4.5 hectares of woodland grounds comes into the hands of new owners.

This oasis on the edge of the Kawarau Gorge has evolved over the decades into a retirement haven for the owners — although that doesn’t mean they’re slowing down.

An entrepreneurial couple get the best of both worlds with back-to-back summers.

A beautifully restored northern Wairarapa house, a seven-year labour of love for this much-travelled New Zealand couple, is now arms wide open to guests.

Queenstown's attractions led a new arrival towards the region to ultra running. It has become a voyage of self-discovery.

After escaping inner-city stress for life on the farm, a Waitomo family is offering an oasis for those who wish to do the same.

An Auckland woman finds a creative outlet that brings her joy and delights her community.

From advertising creative to gin distiller, Andi Ross exemplifies the liberating potential of a midlife career change.

The Coromandel artist using colour to brighten up her gallery

After a challenging year for Coromandel, the Mercury Bay Art Escape is back to celebrate its natural and artistic wonders. Meet one of the exhibitors.

Claire Mabey’s favourite chair was saved from a life of destitution at the tip. It now serves as her faithful reading assistant.

There’s never a dull moment in this striking family home built by an energetic Hamilton family — and that’s just the way they like it.

This jeweller and doctor duo from Poland might be the best ambassadors for tiny living.

The Head of Costume for the Royal New Zealand Ballet is one of the company's most valuable assets.

Natural history ace and active relaxer Alison Ballance’s favourite seat is a non-stationary affair.

The family at the forefront of large-scale organic food production takes us behind the scenes.

Modern-day guests are more coddled than the property’s first war-ravaged inhabitants but they’re still chasing good health.

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.

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