Lifestyle

Henry Hill School shows how a garden can bring community, connection, and even teach renewable energy. Could your school be next?

As the days get warmer and evenings stretch longer, your outdoor space naturally calls for attention. The good news? You don’t need a full backyard makeover to enjoy it. A few simple spruce-ups can transform your deck, patio or backyard into a space that feels fresh, inviting, and ready for gatherings. 

Looking for a simple way to grow fresh veggies, even in small spaces? Square metre gardening is an easy, low-maintenance method that saves time, money, and water – with big results. From balconies to backyards, anyone can get growing!

When the weather turns chilly and the rain sets in, keeping kids entertained indoors can feel like a full-time job. But with a little planning, winter is the perfect season to slow things down and get creative together at home. 

Keep little hands busy and big imaginations buzzing with these fun, low-fuss projects. No fancy supplies needed. 

You don’t need a lifestyle block or a complete lifestyle overhaul to make a difference for the planet. Sometimes, it starts with a few planter boxes, a compost bin, and some willing hands. 

Community gardens are flourishing across Aotearoa - popping up in backyards, public reserves, schools, and shared neighbourhood spaces. They offer far more than just fresh kai and connection. These small, but powerful projects are helping local communities grow their own food, increase access to fresh produce, and build local knowledge around growing and sharing kai. 

Matariki marks the Māori New Year, a time of remembrance, celebration, and renewal. It’s a chance to come together with whānau, share stories, honour the year that’s been and plan for the future. And like so many special moments in life, food is at the heart of it. 

There’s something about autumn that makes us slow down. The nights get darker, the jumpers come out, and suddenly the idea of curling up with a good book becomes all the more appealing. Add a gas fireplace, a glass of wine (or hot chocolate), plus some great company—and you’ve got the perfect setup for your very own book club.

Did you know that now is the perfect time to start planting your hardy fruits and vegetables? March marks the beginning of autumn, which is an ideal time to plant your cool-weather crops so that they can thrive during winter and blossom during spring.

Whether you’re looking to grow your own kai supply, beautify your neighbourhood, promote sustainability, or simply connect with others, a community garden creates a flourishing space for people to nurture, contribute, and feel welcome. 

Want to give it a go? We’ve put together a few tips to help you create a thriving community garden. Let’s get growing! 

Growing your own food can be incredibly rewarding, and you don’t need a big garden to do it! 

Even if you’re working with a small space, like a balcony or patio, you can create an edible garden that will take your cooking (and green fingers) to the next level. Here’s how to get started.

Winter can get even the best of us feeling cooped up - but with enough entertaining activities to keep everyone busy, it’s also a wonderful time for family bonding. We’ve put together a list to keep the whānau entertained this winter.

Winter is the perfect time for kids to snuggle up with a good book by the natural gas fire. From hot-off-the-press New Zealand authors to timeless cult classics we've got recommendations that will keep kids enchanted and entertained this winter.

Cosy up on the couch this winter with a good book, matched with your favourite drink. Take a look at our recommendations for your fireside reading this winter.

There’s nothing better than a summer afternoon in the backyard surrounded by friends and family. Normally a BBQ is in order, but what other gas-powered appliances can help make your summer a goodie?

Many of us, when thinking about gas cooking, default to thinking of cooking on a BBQ... but did you know there are actually many ways to cook with gas that are beyond the standard BBQ?

Springtime has many names, one being “seedtime”. There is a reason for this: the longer warm days paired with rain, springs the outside world into life. Springtime is feeding time for gardens - making it the perfect opportunity to get outside and get planting that vege patch you’ve always wanted to do with the kids!

There’s nothing quite like winter to ignite the passion for home-decorating. More time indoors usually helps us to see little areas in our homes that we might like to adjust or switch up. We love the feel of a cosy home in winter that makes you feel warm as soon as you walk in!