Posts by Gillian Swinton
Opening the gate – a new way into farming
Sarah How, 33, is the co-founder and general manager of Landify, a platform which connects farmers with potential partners and investors to explore collaborative opportunities in farming. Sarah was a finalist for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award. She shares with us how a ‘cupboard of an office’, a bold idea, and a lot of grit sparked a new way into farming.
Read MoreSāmoan Paifala Pineapple Pie
“A favourite Sāmoan treat for special occasions, or even just for afternoon tea.” – Amy Kamo.
Read MoreGolden Days
Light layers for the lingering autumn sun and warmer ones for crisp mornings. Here we draw inspiration from autumn in Māniatoto Central Otago – russet hues from tussock and the muted tones of Clyde’s historic brick-lined streets.
Read MoreLeaving a Legacy
Becks Smith believes farming is all about community, environment, economy and legacy. A trained vet, Becks founded The Whole Story in 2020, drawing inspiration from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and with the aim to move sustainability beyond compliance and box-ticking.
Read MoreStronger Together
Meg Burden’s farm was one of many properties damaged and cut off during and in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Two years on, Meg reflects on the little and big things they did to get by, and how the strength of rural communities shines through.
Read MoreAlesha Tomasi
For our Autumn 2025 Edition, we wanted to hear about a special four-legged friend. For Winter 2025, we’d like to know which of your birthdays stands out to you. Let us know how you celebrated and what made it so
memorable! Letters may be edited for length or clarity.
Backyard Bash
Sophie Chambers and Matthew Brown had a very modern courtship. And what began as a Facebook friendship culminated in a glamorous backyard bash on his family’s flower farm.
Read MoreRoast of the Town
Rosie Austin, 65, has worn many hats during a varied and illustrious career that now sees her turning a dab hand to artisanal coffee roasting in her beloved community of Whanganui.
Read MoreA Growing Career
Hannah Greaves always envisioned a career in the primary sector. Although initially set on a career in farming, she realised dairy farming wasn’t for her and found herself pivoting to horticulture instead. Six years on, she’s not only helping growers and orchardists thrive in her role as a technical horticultural representative at Fruitfed Supplies, she’s also thriving herself.
Read MoreMedicine at the Mill
A GP at the Kawerau and Tokoroa timber mills, Dr. Sarah Gardiner, took over the in-house clinic when it was about to close. Sarah (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Te Paatu) is also a mum of three tamariki and has since ventured into telehealth to bolster medical support for remote workers.
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