Life & Style

Nature’s ornaments in time for Christmas

Male and female cones on Pinus mugo 'Gnom' at Dunedin Botanic Garden. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Nature’s ornaments in time for Christmas

We are very lucky in the southern hemisphere to have an ‘upside-down’ Christmas - it is the beginning of summer, and we revel in being outdoors with family and friends.

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Festive snacks with (easy) star power

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Festive snacks with (easy) star power

Year-end gives us reason to celebrate, and it has been a year so yes, please, pour me a drink. And let’s splash out on accompanying snacks.

Downsizing, not downgrading

A "Black Boy" peach in front of the house gives spring blossom, fruit in late summer and autumn...

Downsizing, not downgrading

Gillian Vine talks to a Mosgiel couple about downsizing, roses and the fate of a giant cactus.

Seven years of growth and change

Seven years of growth and change

So, my husband always talked to me about seven-year cycles and itches.

Your garden

Tomatoes in the greenhouse. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Your garden

What to do in your garden this week.

Roses offer wide versatility for your garden

"Golden Gate" climbing roses at Dunedin Botanic Garden. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

Roses offer wide versatility for your garden

Roses offer you a lot of options in how they can fit into your garden situation.

Taonga carry us into the future

The taurapa (sternpost) of Waikahua, now attached to Te Paranihi, viewed from the right. Photos:...

Taonga carry us into the future

Tūhura Otago Museum’s war canoe carries symbols of peace, writes Te Rauparaha Horomona.

Tips for stress-free Christmas cooking

Decide your Christmas Day menu well in advance. PHOTO GETTY IMAGES

Tips for stress-free Christmas cooking

British food writer Georgina Hayden of The Observer provides tips and tricks for stress-free Christmas cooking.

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The forest defenders

A group of Awyu women set off to hunt and gather food in Boven Digoel, West Papua. Photo:...

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The forest defenders

The cause of West Papua has become a pressing issue for humanity, Tom McKinlay reports.

Brisbane Tattoo to-do list

The river city horizon is spectacular at sunset. PHOTOS: DAVID HILL

Brisbane Tattoo to-do list

Ellen Hill discovers what to see, do and taste in Brisbane during the 75th Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in February 2026.

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Christmas roast - with a twist

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Asian-style stuffed pork belly with miso mash and sesame slaw

Crackling... need I say more? This Asian-style pork belly is your “with a twist” recipe for your Christmas roast.

Cooking an escape from busy life

Christmas is fast advancing, and what better time to get out the chocolate recipes - chocolate banana bread for Christmas morning breakfast, anyone?

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Branching out from Marlborough sauvignon blancs

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Branching out from Marlborough sauvignon blancs

Marlborough may be the engine room of New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc production, but it would be remiss to ignore the variety from other parts of the country

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Strawberry oat crumble

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Strawberry oat crumble

A deliciously simple slice that tastes of summer.

Feeding the soul with flowers and food

The festive season is a time when author, photographer and illustrator Kate Williams finds herself leaning into the textures and tones of a more traditional, northern-style Christmas.