Posts by Gillian Swinton
Abbey & Carleen
Interior designer Abbey Greenwood (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe), 42, and speech and language therapist Carleen Heemi (Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tai), 44, both found solace in the art of raranga. Now, these Te Waiharakeke Blenheim locals are joining forces to share their knowledge of traditional Māori weaving.
Read MoreKatikati
Museums, as Paula Gaelic discovered, are not just places for sharing history but also for shaping a more inclusive future. As manager of the Western Bay Museum in Katikati, Paula, 61, a Pākehā woman, takes immense pride in working alongside Māori to guide the museum’s direction and foster deeper community connections.
Read MoreChat on the Chathams
Rugged and remote; a far-flung outpost; a step back in time; like New Zealand, only different – Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Islands have been described in many different ways. Greer Paterson, 32, calls the Islands “home.” Here, in her new column, Greer shares what life there is like when you crave a sweet treat.
Read MoreUnchartered Waters
A sisterly nudge was what it took for Maegen Blom, 24, to apply for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award. Here, the young leader recalls her pathway to becoming the operations manager of her family’s business – Mills Bay Mussels – and the first from the aquaculture industry to win the award.
Read MoreBloomin’ Lovely
When you’re getting spring chores done in the garden, you want clothes that work as hard as you do – without sacrificing style.
Read MoreFrom Ballgowns to Gumboots
It was love at first dance for Molly Barker, who was swept off her feet by Simon Dalgliesh at a university ball. But it was back in their gumboots that this farming couple truly bonded.
Read MoreLoulou Ellingham
Loulou Ellingham, 38, launched Slowlife Collection in 2020 as a side hustle to her day job.
Read MoreSuccession Planning
In our new business advice column, Shepherdess asks an expert to share her thoughts on a matter worth knowing about – this edition, we look at succession planning.
Read MoreBaking and Breaking Bread
Katherine Mitchell, a hunter, fisher, gardener, cook and charter boat business manager, is deeply passionate about understanding where food comes from and making the most of every bite.
Read MoreThe Right Note
Cellist, composer and teacher Caitlin Morris, along with her husband, Andrew Atkins, a pianist, conductor and teacher, found Kahutara in the South Wairarapa to be the perfect place to call home
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