Table of contents for Issue 86 April 2023 in Good

@sarah_heeringa Sarah Heeringa Good magazine has been a part of Sarah’s life for the past 14 years, since she was involved in its launch in 2008. In that time she has filled various roles including being the editor and latterly a contributing editor. “I have enjoyed being part of a team helping inspire Kiwis to be more conscious of daily habits and exploring ways we can all live more sustainably. This is a time of transition for me, as I’m now moving on to pursue other opportunities.” See Sarah’s last feature for Good, page 94, about her recent trip to Japan’s Hokuriku Shinetsu region. @cassclarice Cassie Birrer Cassie has recently joined the team as deputy editor for Good, but she isn’t new to the magazine – she started reading it…

woolaid.com WOOLAID REVOLUTION IN THE PLASTER SPACE Much like plastic straws, the days of the estimated 50 billion plastic plasters sold globally every year are numbered thanks to WoolAid. WoolAid recently took out the prestigious Supreme Winner title for Product of the Year 2023 at the largest international Outdoor Retailer expo held in North America becoming the first New Zealand company to be awarded the Supreme Winner title. Designed in Lake Tekapo, and founded by Kiwi Lucas Smith, WoolAid is the world’s first wool adhesive plaster that helps with all types of everyday wound management and recovery. WoolAid’s sustainable bandage is made from hyperfine merino wool, meaning it is naturally breathable for healing wounds, and the plaster fabric biodegrades within four months of being in soil. Wool can absorb large…

PRO TIP Paint your entire interior the same white, including ceilings, skirtings, architraves and doors to create a more high-end, modern look. Vary the sheen levels for practicality, like Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss for frames and doors and Resene SpaceCote Flat tinted to your chosen white for ceilings. Contemporary whites These are whites with a black base that are very crisp and cool, suit interiors with white, grey and black accents, and help tone down warm bright light. Complementary accent colours: blues, purples, greens. Natural whites These are almost-whites that have a subtle warm undertone and suit modern interiors with lots of natural tones and textures. Complementary accent colours: sand, ivory, taupe, dusky pastels. Modern Classic whites These are whites with warm undertones and suit cosy interiors that have lots of…

Recently I’ve felt like screaming and figuratively pulling my hair out when confronted with the clutter that has piled up in my living room and on the kitchen bench. The open-plan space has been doubling as a home office and it’s literally been doing my head in. When I’m home I’ve found myself walking around in circles and unfocused, which is not how I like to be, so a few weeks ago I took remedial action by making a commitment to declutter. Now, anyone who knows me and the Enting side of the family will know that decluttering doesn’t come naturally. As a family we are overly sentimental and we like stuff, and by stuff we mean good stuff like old books and possessions that have meaning. For example, my…

There’s constant noise about nasties in our skincare. The hunt for ‘clean, green’ beauty means avoiding chemicals such as parabens, sulfates and silicones. Today I’m deep diving into silicones. What are they, why are they considered such ‘bad guys’ and what’s replacing them in the clean beauty space? Silicones in beauty products are synthetic substances which feel wonderful on the skin and hair, ultimately improving the performance of our beauty products. Silicones are used because of their barrier-forming or ‘occlusive’ properties – meaning they form a barrier to prevent water escaping, but also preventing irritants from getting into the skin. These chemicals have two main forms: volatile and non-volatile. Volatile silicones quickly evaporate, leaving you with powder-like smoothness, and are commonly used in foundations and lightweight serums. Non-volatile silicones have…

As flexible work arrangements have become the norm for many, this has left us wondering how to create a workspace at home as part of a multifunctional space. Whether your office area is used for creative projects, working on spreadsheets, or helping the kids with their homework, defining a productive and inspiring work area within your home is easy with Resene. Embrace colour Start by identifying colours that spark joy and make you want to spend time at your desk. Taking colour inspiration from a trip to the art gallery, flicking through interior design books, or browsing the latest looks on resene.co.nz are all great sources for ideas. Keep in mind that colour is believed to impact our mood in different ways, for example greens and blues can have a…

It can be daunting to start a new garden. What plants can be planted where? How much light is too much light? Can carrots be planted next to spring onions? I also know how exciting it can be to get a new raised garden bed with seedlings at the ready, to then realise in a few weeks’ time that perhaps you got a bit too excited and crammed a few too many plants into the space – and that third kale plant is left reaching for the sun, to no avail. There are certainly plenty of things you need to consider when starting your veggie garden. Here are some tips to try the next time you’ve got the gardening gloves on. CHOOSE AN OPTIMAL LOCATION As a general rule of…

CHILLI SIN CARNE WITH KIDNEY BEANS, GUACAMOLE & FRIED TORTILLA CHIPS Serves 4 Preparation time 45 minutes Wait time 105 minutes (75 minutes if using soaked beans) This is a massively protein-rich dish that any carnivore will love to eat. The kidney bean chilli is rich, thick and filling. The tempeh is crisp and spicy – some people tell me it tastes like bacon (I am not sure what bacon tastes like, but I will take their word for it). The guacamole is a dream. Be careful not to eat all the tortilla chips before the dish is served! 200 grams (1 cup) kidney beans (optional: soaked overnight in cold water, drained)3 tablespoons olive oil2 red onions, thinly sliced into half moons2 carrots, grated2 red sweet-pointed capsicums, thinly sliced2 teaspoons…

1 Halve the nuts A lot of plant-based recipes use nuts and that can be expensive. Halve the nuts and substitute with oats instead. Oats are a great, low-cost addition to many recipes. Be Good: Plant-Based Recipes for Everybody by Buffy Ellen 2 THRIFTY TIP Wash the dirt off your vegetables in an old sink or laundry trough in the vegetable garden. Catch this water with a bucket and put it back on the garden beds. This enables you to return your good dirt to the vegetable garden rather than washing it down the kitchen or laundry sink and clogging up your drains. Thrifty Gardening: Money-saving tips and know-how for a flourishing garden from The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. 3 EAT ROOT-TO-LEAF Beetroot leaves and stems are generally…

Protect, moisturise and glow with Living Nature’s new Daily Protect Facial Lotion SPF 20. Tested to meet the rigorous Australian and New Zealand SPF standards, the serum-like formula also feeds and nurtures the skin with premium botanical ingredients. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates while boosting collagen production for smooth, plump skin. Organic Aloe Vera soothes and calms, while skincare hero Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against free radicals. The dual effect of organic Coconut Oil and Shea Butter provide an infusion of moisture and hydration while reducing inflammation. Seventy per cent organic and locally made in Kerikeri, New Zealand, it is suitable for all skin types. livingnature.com Magazine subscriptions from $30. Go to goodmagazine.co.nz/subs to subscribe. *Offer ends 3 May 2023 T&Cs apply. *Terms and Conditions Subscribe and receive 1 x…

It’s been many weeks since floods hit Auckland and the North, followed by Cyclone Gabrielle which devastated and isolated communities throughout the North Island. My heart goes out to all those affected, especially people who have lost loved ones and/or their homes. The power of nature is humbling and as we face off climate change, and pick up the pieces, it’s important to act positively. By that I don’t mean putting on a brave face and pretending nothing has happened but to take positive actions that support those in need as well as the environment. Whether that is a donation to Red Cross, volunteering or supporting local. Positive action is empowering, purposeful and collectively we can make a difference. We’re all in this together! Exhibition Light from Tate: 1700s to…

Nelson Jewellery Week 2023 13-23 April, Nelson A contemporary jewellery festival celebrating emerging and established artists with exhibitions, including Moments of Jewelleryness by Fran Carter and Caroline Thomas (pictured), and workshops. nelsonjewelleryweek.nz Light from Tate: 1700s to Now Now until 25 June, Auckland Art Gallery Drawn from the collections of London’s Tate gallery, this exhibition features 100 works by celebrated artists including JMW Turner and Claude Monet, exploring light in the outdoors. aucklandartgallery.com Wairarapa Balloon Festival 6-10 April, Wairarapa A magical five-day festival that fills the skies with planned take-offs at different Wairarapa towns each day and ‘Night Glow’ event at the Clareville Showgrounds with food and beverage options from local street vendors. nzballoons.co.nz Auckland Writers Festival 16-21 May, Auckland Celebrate the world of books and ideas as international and…

In the 70s, when I was a teenager, my bedroom reeked of incense I had bought at the Cook Street Market in Auckland. I lit those sticks daily and wafted around my bedroom trying out the latest outfits I had put together on my sewing machine. I was probably also listening to Carole King’s album Tapestry. Just writing about this makes me feel a strong sense of nostalgia, like looking at an old 70s photo with its orange tint which makes all the colours look so autumnal. My father has always had a really strong sense of smell, so it was no surprise to me that when I lit my first incense stick he came rushing along the hall from the other end of the house within seconds to check…

Incorporating natural materials such as linen into our decor scheme creates a relaxed and effortlessly cool vibe which makes a room a joy to spend time in. Already a popular choice for bedding, this textural fabric is also an ideal material for pendant shades – diffusing light and creating a soft ambience. Choosing a neutral colour will create a spacious and calm haven, yet adding details such as ties and tassels will give this piece extra dimension. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 150cm x 50cm piece of fabric. Light or medium weight linen (or cotton) works well• Tape measure• Fabric pen or chalk for marking• Fabric scissors• Pins• Sewing machine• Matching thread• Iron• 4 metres of bias binding for the ties, or you can make your own out of matching fabric…

With the rising costs of living there has never been a better time to look at making energy efficiency savings around the home. As well as cutting down on costs and saving yourself some money, it helps the planet too! The production of energy and water usage both have significant environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Mitre 10 is here to help us optimise resource use, reducing our impact on the environment. As the population grows, so does the demand for natural resources. If we don’t start using these resources more efficiently, we may not have enough to meet our needs in the future. By saving power and water, we are working towards a more sustainable future. Here are some helpful tips to save on your water…

“Not only will the extra food serve you well in the seasons when the garden is less productive, but a jar of homemade jam or kimchi will also make a great gift or bartering offer.” With the cost of living soaring, there’s never been a better time to become more self-sufficient. For many families, food is one of their biggest weekly expenses – and one we don’t want to compromise on too much. So, the question is: how can we spend less but still provide nourishing meals for our family? We’ve recently returned home from nearly a year overseas, where many of the living costs were significantly lower than in New Zealand. Our first trip back to our local supermarket was certainly an eye-watering experience! I’ve never been a big…

dish FAST is chockfull of quick and easy classics, specially developed to help Kiwis get food on the table in double-quick time. The collection of 100+ seasonal recipes from dish magazine offers a wealth of super-speedy, warming and delicious dishes, for simple winter meals. Whether you’re a couple, a single, a family or a group of friends, this book offers maximum impact food with minimum fuss. On sale NOW RRP $49.99, available from all good bookstores, and online at dish.co.nz…

FEATURED BOOK Homegrown Second-generation Italian-Kiwi Bri DiMattina inherited her love of good food from her chef mother and Italian nonna. A trained chef like her mum, DiMattina lives in Mangere Bridge where she has grown a ‘food forest’ using permaculture principles and found joy in harvesting and cooking homegrown produce. Her book, Nostrana: Flavours from my Italian Kitchen Garden, HarperCollins NZ, $55, includes mouth-watering Stromboli-inspired recipes and is organised seasonally, with growing guides for each ingredient. LISTEN Passionate pop Brighten up your day by searching out Lower Hutt pop band SKRAM on YouTube or Spotify and become an instant fan! Aside from the high energy, upbeat yet emotive songs, SKRAM’s visual representation of music has a lot of flair and colour. The band – Henry Ashby on lead vocals and…

I wanted to share with you my collection of Good magazines. It’s hard to squeeze them all in and I had times when I couldn’t purchase the odd issue… The seasons of my life have changed so much since I walked home with my first issue the week after I turned 21. Good has been a companion and teacher to me through my tertiary education years, travels, my career choices, some of my hardest days and nights and now as a new mother at 32. Good has remained a consistent part of my life. Thank you to all the team for publishing what feels like a friend that I can come back to time and time again. Sam I first came across this fantastic magazine through an email sent to…

It’s just days after Auckland’s devastating floods when I catch up with Shelley Ferguson for our pre-booked interview. The sun is shining, sky brilliant blue and knowing she lives in a leaky home I’m almost expecting the house to be crying tears. Aside from a minor hallway leak it’s fine, though a neighbour’s house down the road almost flooded to the ceiling. “I feel quite sombre,” she admits, as she lets me into her home. “I’m usually an upbeat person but I see people’s connections to their homes, and it just breaks my heart what people must be going through.” Two years ago the respected interior designer, author, editor and judge on TV Three’s The Block, bought a leaky home in Westmere, Auckland with her husband – Olympic athlete Steve…

“I think having a warm and inviting home is one which is imperfectly perfect. It’s about that ‘feeling’ when you enter the room.” The impact our environment has on how we feel shouldn’t be underestimated. A space that feels welcoming and comfortable can improve overall wellbeing – from reduced stress levels to increased focus. The good news is that there are plenty of simple things you can do to help the space around you feel and look good. We asked four interior designers to share their tips and tricks. 1. Set the tone Those familiar with the philosophy of feng shui will know that the entrance can set the tone for the rest of your home. One that is warm and inviting with minimal clutter will put guests – and…

In 2019, Okra Candle’s Michelle Rust was in search of a particular style of candle for an event she was curating – but could not find what she wanted anywhere. “I went to a candle maker and what they came up with was not a success,” she says. So, Michelle and her partner, Erik, talked it over, “and we decided, cool, we’ll try it ourselves”. Armed with a reasonably priced 3D printer and plenty of enthusiasm, the couple embarked on the project that has, in just three years, become their burgeoning candle-making business, Okra Candle. Michelle and Erik complement each other perfectly: she has a creative eye and loves nothing more than to style beautiful tablescapes, events and spaces; he is a biochemist by training who also happens to be…

We all want to live in a clean and healthy home, right? But when it comes to commercial cleaning products, we might actually be causing more harm than good. The good news is that there are plenty of non-toxic, environmentally friendly and biodegradable natural cleaning products available to maintain your home. Even common pantry items can be used to create homemade cleaning products that are an alternative, safer cleaning solution – natural cleaning ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and essential oils* are not only safe for the environment, but also for your family and pets*. Baking soda, in particular, is a miracle of nature! Discovered long ago in the 1840s, the common household ingredient is made from trona and is mined from natural deposits all around the world.…

Your chickens need to fit into your backyard and lifestyle, which usually involves compromise. You’re the boss, so the chickens will probably have to compromise more than you. Here’s how a kind and empathetic boss would manage them. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION One of the first decisions is where on your property these birds should live (assuming you have some choice; if not, just do your best). Try to see things from the point of view of their inner junglefowl and give them a bit of jungle edge if you can. They love to be under trees and shrubs for shade, protection from predators (real or imagined) and the fallen vegetation that gathers there. SHADE Hardy as chickens might be, extreme temperatures are tough on them. If you can place their…

Been to the supermarket lately? Chances are, you’ve spotted the vast array of tofu available these days. Or maybe it’s the beetroot patties or vegetarian sausages that have caught your eye; the chicken-less chicken tenderloins or vegan ‘bacon’; the plant-based ice creams; the oat milk chocolate. Go into any café worth its salt and you can expect a range of non-dairy milk options. Hit any burger joint and there will be a vegan option. Meal delivery services are offering plant-based plans; chains like Wise Boys offer exclusively plant-based options; and just think of the high-profile plant-based devotees among us, from movie stars (Natalie Portman; Joaquin Phoenix) to local foodies (Chelsea Winter). Plant-based diets are no longer some weird outpost, restricted to that one moralising uncle who makes Christmas catering a…

FAR NORTH: TE WHARA TRACK: The Te Whara track in the Whangārei Heads in Northland is a popular day walk that offers a mix of bush, beach, and stunning views. The track is one-way and requires a decent level of fitness – it includes a steep hike with plenty of stairs. The top of the track offers panoramic coastal views and follows the ancient footprints of Manaia, a principal wife of a Rangatira, and her story associated with the area. The track offers several opportunities to see wildlife, such as the translocated whitehead and the New Zealand robin. Peach Cove is a good lunch spot along the way and offers the option of exiting the walk early. The trail ends at a WWII gun emplacement station at Home Point, the…

Mud, Salt + Medicine Julia Lawless, Welbeck, $40 A guide for how to create inexpensive and simple products in your own home that can be used to boost your health, mood and wellbeing. Includes more than 100 recipes for essential oil blends and treatments for natural healing including diffusers, body scrubs, lotions, massage oils, skincare and first aid products. The Everyday Herbalist Jane Wrigglesworth, Allen & Unwin NZ, $50 A comprehensive guide to herbs from how to grow them successfully in your garden to how to use them for health and wellbeing. Includes detailed information on 30 must-have herbs, plus recipes for remedies, skin care and home cleaning products including flowing soap and laundry powder. Futureproof Your Garden Angus Stewart and Emma Stewart, Murdoch Books, $50 A go-to resource for…