Featured Articles

The North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival

A super special Sunday: The uber cool North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival

When it comes to the hit events on the Canterbury social calendar, the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival is right up there with the best. Set under the picturesque oaks of Glenmark Domain in Waipara Valley, the festival is back next weekend Sunday 11 March to celebrate the local bounty of the […]

On Point: Barre Workout

On Point: The latest fitness craze is barre (and we love it)

The fitness industry has forged an almost cult-like following because, although the fads come and go, a healthy diet and exercise is the closest formula we have to a fountain of youth. The latest craze turning heads faster than a pirouette is the barre workout and this is one recreational activity which we […]

Edible Flowers

Flavour of the month: edible flowers make their mark

Much like our wardrobes, the contents of our kitchen cupboards too are influenced by trends and, just like we freshen up our sartorial selections when it comes to the changing of the season, our culinary cravings can also benefit from a revamp. So what’s the flavour of the month in our culinary creations? […]

Activated charcoal bun

Charcoal’s culinary cool cred: activated charcoal and what to do with it

It doesn’t look or sound like something you would want to ingest, however, activated charcoal is the latest culinary constituent on everyone’s lips and it’s the antithesis of the unicorn food craze of 2017. This sooty, jet black powder has been a mainstay of Chinese medicine for thousands of years based on its […]

Embracing grey: V for Hair Merivale

The power of owning your natural beauty with master stylist and renowned grey hair transition expert Vicki Ogden-O’Fee. “There comes a moment when many women realise they’re no longer colouring their hair because they love it,” says Vicki of V for Hair Merivale. “They’re doing it out of habit, frustration, or fear of […]

Ancient balance, modern calm:

From acupuncture to herbal remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine has shaped many of today’s complementary health and wellness practices. In an era of symptom-focused solutions, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a vision of health rooted in balance, prevention, and the interconnectedness of body and mind. With origins stretching back more than two millennia, TCM […]

East meets West

As Chinese New Year celebrations get underway, we consider the influence of Chinese art and culture on modern interiors and wallpaper design. Chinoiserie has long been a bridge between East and West, and its influence continues to shape modern wallpaper design in new and imaginative ways. Originating in 17th- and 18th-century Europe, Chinoiserie […]

Plaster care: Proudfoot Plastering

Chipped plaster, weathered surfaces, or dated finishes are all signs it’s time for a refresh. First impressions count. Just as a regular haircut keeps you looking sharp, scheduling maintenance on your home’s exterior plastering makes a big difference. An annual waterblast of your exterior walls, paired with a fresh coat of paint every […]

Rainbow beef

Crispy, flavourful stir-fry with thin slices of beef coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, rainbow beef is a crowd favourite for its bold flavours and vibrant look. INGREDIENTS (serves 3) BEEF – 250g of your favourite cut of steak, thinly sliced – 120g cornflour – Vegetable oil, for deep-frying SAUCE – 160ml […]

In for the log-haul: High Country Carpentry

Who has time to celebrate 20 years in business when you’re busy completing an enormous and awe-inspiring log home? Third and fifth-generation Mackenzie region residents Heather and Lain Hellmrich ticked over 20 years for their building and renovation business High Country Carpentry last December. But the husband-and-wife duo haven’t put their feet up […]