All Aboard

We could smell the salt in the air when we set out to show Swanndri in its element – out in the elements.

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Ranfurly

Amie Pont (Taranaki), 47, is deeply acquainted with the seasons of the Maniototo, traditionally known to Māori as Māniatoto, in Central Otago, having spent most of her life there. Not content merely to observe, she has contributed much to the fabric of the community over the years, from volunteering at the local Ranfurly radio station to establishing the local paper, Positively Māniatoto.

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Wairau Valley

Over twenty years ago, Angela Woolf, 55, her husband, Tony, and their eldest three children moved from Te Waiharakeke Blenheim to the nearby Wairau Valley, where their youngest was born. Angela, a writer, reflects on how historic buildings, like the Wairau Valley Tavern, shape and support their vibrant community.

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Summer Lovin’

Summer florals made easy – perfect for picnics by the lake, a day at the races, or a barbecue with friends.

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Katikati

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.

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Unchartered 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.

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Judy Waterson

Nicol’s Blacksmith Shop, Duntroon

Golden hour in Lindis Pass.

Adjusting to Alone

Michelle opens up about the feelings surrounding her solo Otago Central Rail Trail cycle trip and the scenery she documented along the way.

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Woman models a checkered dress in front of a heritage house

Frolic Frocks

As the weather shifts and the sun warms cool skin, our clothes reflect the optimism in the air – light, colourful garments in cotton and linen that raise the spirits.

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Two women standing in a field of wildflowers.

Rewilding

Untouched World’s new collection tells the story of letting nature back in and taking time to reconnect as the days get ever warmer and longer.

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A bride and groom standing in a grassy field with umbrellas

The Best-Laid Plaids

Lizzy and Hamish Salvesen’s romance stretches from Aotearoa to Scotland and back again.

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Orange-red flowers growing

Time to Create

From a full-time career in the arts, Thelma Emslie has stepped back into a quieter life on the banks of the Ōwaka River in the Catlins.

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Woman and man stand with their horse and two farm dogs on a big grassy hill

The Richness of Lawrence

A day spent exploring Lawrence like a local, with a local, enjoying everything from historic landmarks and eclectic shops to serene retreats that will entice you to stay a while.

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.

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