Table of contents for Issue 99 Apr/May 2025 in Good

@dikastra nicolemareebarratt.com Adrienne Matthews Adrienne loves nothing more than telling the stories of others and their endeavours. Writing for a number of publications, she is also an artist, musician, gardener, poet and floral designer. Establishing Nelson’s well-known Eyebright Country Store, she transformed it into a much-loved destination for spectacular floral displays. Her especially happy place these days is in the great outdoors with her English Pointer, Miss Phoebe, relishing in nature’s colours and patterns, constantly inspired by the miracle of small things. Nicole Barratt Nicole is a journalist based in Auckland, passionate about telling stories with an environmental focus. She has long had a love for the natural world, solidified while living in Canada on an island in British Columbia. When she’s not writing, she’s hiking, diving or surfing. Currently…

In 2008, as the global economy crumbled, Judy Keats’ career in the fashion industry took an unexpected turn. More than 15 years later, she is a regenerative practitioner, educator and advocate for growing food that nourishes the microbiome and creates healthy communities. Hers is a tale of resilience, discovery and an unwavering commitment to sharing the transformative power of working with our ecosystems. The seed was planted It started with a casual conversation at a farmers’ market in Auckland, where Judy was buying organic vegetables. “Why don’t you come to work for me?” asked a market gardener from Kumeū. Judy, whose contract pattern-making career was slowing, began commuting to the rural outskirts of Auckland, digging into the soil – and a new chapter of her life. “I was getting a…

NORTHLAND 1. The Maunu Garden Project Focuses on organic gardening practices, offering workshops and communal plots. facebook.com/maunugarden 2. Kerikeri Community Garden Provides space for locals to grow produce and participate in educational programmes. facebook.com/kerikericommunitygardens 3. Māra Kai o Te Hapori Engages the community in sustainable gardening and food-sharing initiatives. tiaki-taiao.org/community-garden AUCKLAND 1. Kelmarna Community Farm An urban organic community farm in Ponsonby promoting sustainable living. kelmarna.co.nz 2. Devonport Community Garden Garden plots and workshops encouraging local food production. facebook.com/devocommunitygarden 3. Dignan Street Community Garden A regenerative, organic community garden focusing on soil, food, and community growth. facebook.com/DignanStreetCommunityGarden 4. Triangle Park Community Teaching Garden An engaging community garden offering educational opportunities in organic gardening practices. facebook.com/triangleparkgarden WAIKATO 1. ROC International Garden (previously Grandview Community Garden) Provides gardening space and educational programmes in…

Do you know anyone others might describe as a well-intentioned control freak? Is that person you? Here, we’ll explore letting go of control – allowing others to be themselves rather than trying to mould them into what you think they should be. Not every point will resonate but see if one or two strategies feel useful. Allow yourself to experience the paradox of granting others more freedom: the less you try to control others, the freer you feel. 1 BREAK YOUR UNCONSCIOUS HABITS The first step in letting go of control of others is noticing your unconscious habits. Detect when you offer unsolicited advice, nitpick, overexplain, hover, cajole others into doing things your way, micromanage, take over, or assign ‘homework’ by emailing links to resources others should read. An established…

This striking Northland rammed earth home is a tribute to sustainability, craftsmanship and the art of thoughtful design. Built by the team at Modern Earth Homes, it is a blend of natural materials, passive solar principles and a deep connection to the land. A home rooted in nature Homeowners Dave and Megan Bartlett were drawn to earth-inspired homes, particularly the use of rammed earth. “We wanted a home that was a bit different, using natural materials, and we came across Modern Earth Homes. We looked into rammed earth and felt that it was what we were after, and it was a good choice of material for the Northland climate.” Drawing inspiration from their experiences in tiny house living, they sought to create a spacious yet intimate home. “We took a…

As life becomes increasingly frantic, we need to find calm spaces to just be – spaces where we can meditate, contemplate, be silent or gather our wits. Zen gardens encourage us to do precisely that. The origins of zen gardening The first zen-type gardens can be traced to Japan 800AD. Created around Shinto shrines and temples, they honoured the landscape, representing it with the careful placement of rocks, stones, white sand and gravel. Zen Buddhism arrived around the same time and brought the practice of meditation and what we now call mindfulness. Zen gardens flourished as calm, contemplative places with simple colour palettes, where every object and plant were placed with precision to create a sense of harmony and tranquillity. Zen gardens today With a little knowledge, anyone can create…

Rounding the bend to Piha, the vast expanse of the rugged west coast unfolds before me. The ocean stretches to meet the horizon, with the iconic Lion Rock standing sentinel against the setting sun. The water against the black sand is a reminder of the wild beauty of this part of the country. My arrival sets the tone for an evening of sensory delight at Aryeh, Piha’s coastal culinary gem. Aryeh offers an intimate connection with nature through its location and food. The restaurant’s sundeck provides an unobstructed view of the ocean, making it an ideal spot to witness the day’s end while enjoying a beautiful meal. The transition from day to night feels almost theatrical, the shifting colours mirrored by the warm glow of the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere. At…

Nepal is a small country, landlocked between China and India. At the foot of the Himalayas, it has eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. However, you don’t need to be a professional climber to add Nepal to your bucket list. The country is packed with charming villages, welcoming locals, jungles teeming with incredible wildlife and golden temples. It is a paradise for travellers of all kinds. “If I had been on a bus, hopping from hotel to hotel along the tourist track, I would have missed many unforgettable encounters and experiences. The country had been at the top of my list for a while. And, after months of planning, I decided to embark on this adventure non-traditionally – to cross it by…

No Words For This Ali Mau, HarperCollins NZ, $40 In No Words for This, Ali Mau reflects on her past, confronting painful memories and her role as a key figure in New Zealand’s #MeToo movement. Through her memoir, she shares her journey of self-discovery, a reinvention in media, and the courage to confront personal and professional challenges. The Strange Case of Jane O Karen Thompson Walker, Allen & Unwin, $37 This novel follows a young woman experiencing amnesia, premonitions, and hallucinations. After disappearing for a day, she returns with no memory of the event. As her psychiatrist investigates, they uncover links to past trauma and eerie visions, questioning identity, memory, and fate. Dream Count Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, HarperCollins NZ, $55 This novel explores the lives of four women – Chiamaka,…

Wordfind Enjoy a word challenge Words can appear forwards, backwards, vertical, horizontal, on the diagonal and overlapping. Two words appear twice. BALANCE BIOSPHERE CONNECTION COUNTRYSIDE EARTH ECOSYSTEM ENVIRONMENT FAUNA FLORA GREENERY GROUND GROUNDING HABITAT LAND LANDSCAPE LIFE NATURE OUTDOORS RESOURCES ROOTS SOIL SUPPORT TERRAIN WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WIN Find the two words that appear twice in this wordfind and enter online at goodmagazine.co.nz/win to be in to win one of 2 prize packs of locally-made Whittaker’s Chocolate Pods®, alongside a Whittaker’s apron, RRP $95. whittakers.co.nz Mega Crossword Brain training ACROSS 1. Car’s beams 6. Conspired 10. Badgered 15. Rotate 18. Iron-deficient 19. Sightseer 20. Gold leaf 22. Country walking 23. Actress, … Alley 24. Martini garnishes 25. Fix (prices) 26. Torment 28. More bashful 30. Beseech 31. Magic lamp spirit 32. Vital…

This magazine mirrors where I am in my life right now – trying to stay grounded during a critical challenge at a cellular level while also resonating with the current state of the world, which is shifting faster than ever and is unsettling in many ways. But change is a constant, within and beyond, and with the arrival of autumn, nature offers us a poignant reminder of its inevitability. The leaves begin to fall, the mornings greet us with a crisp embrace, and we are reminded that staying grounded through life’s seasons is perhaps one of the greatest skills we can cultivate. Thankfully, the ultimate source of stability is always beneath us – Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). No matter how turbulent life may feel, she provides unwavering support. Whether through nutrient-rich…

“Underneath our feet is a universe the same size as there is above our heads. Ben Bushell has spent almost a decade turning waste into wonder. His journey with Community Compost in Nelson stands out as a testament to service. His love of the interconnectedness of soil and soul started with a nostalgic childhood memory and grew into spearheading a community composting movement; his story is one of transformation. A sense of duty Ben’s love affair with compost began, as he puts it, “with duty”. A decade ago, he found himself with a nagging sense that his “energy was being wasted”. He calculated that by cutting back on gym visits (he was doing two workouts a day), he had ample time to serve his community in a way that gave…

Cleopatra’s ganache Luxury New Zealand beauty brand Tronque unveils Triple Active Body Milk: Cleopatra’s Ganache, $120, designed to sculpt, firm and deeply hydrate skin. Infused with cutting-edge ingredients like vegetable caffeine, glaucine and hyaluronic acid, this velvety lotion aims to smooth cellulite and enhance elasticity. Its opalescent texture melts into the skin, leaving a cashmere-soft finish. 100% natural fragrance with citrus, floral and woody notes, this indulgent body milk is a must-have for total skin rejuvenation. tronque.com Deodorant reinvented Dulesé has launched a sleek, refillable natural deodorant, $29.99 or $17.99 for refill, that’s redefining personal care in New Zealand. Founded by wellness entrepreneur Amelia Jory, Dulesé embraces a “do less” philosophy, using a minimal yet effective blend of magnesium hydroxide, natural oils and shea butter to combat odour while nourishing…

Walls: Resene Eighth Truffle Joinery: Resene Half Black White For more paint, colour ideas and inspiration, visit your Resene ColorShop or resene.co.nz. Resene the paint the professionals use Do you have old shoes that don’t go with any of your wardrobe? There’s no need to throw them out when you can easily update them. Use Resene paint to revamp tired sandals, customise trendy sneakers, slides or colour match that great pair of shoes you just found at the op-shop to your outfit. Resene testpots are ideal for picking the perfect colour for each shoe makeover, they’re all made in Wellington and they come in New Zealand’s widest range of testpot colours and hues. Most Resene testpots come in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen, tough and hardwearing paint that is ideal for…

APRIL April is nature’s planting time, with warm soil and cooling temperatures creating the perfect environment for establishing winter crops. As summer’s final fruits fade, it’s time to plant hearty vegetables, fresh herbs and cheerful blooms to brighten cooler days. PLANT NOW Beetroot, bok choi, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, coriander, kale, leek, lettuce, mesclun, onion, parsnip, parsley, peas, radish, rhubarb, rocket, silverbeet, spinach, blueberry, feijoa, lemon, orange, mandarin, lime. JOBS TO DO • Harvest the last of summer crops like tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. • Plant winter vegetables to ensure a steady supply in the cooler months. • Refresh flower beds with autumn blooms like pansies and polyanthus. • Mulch garden beds to retain warmth and moisture. • Keep an eye out for early frosts and protect tender plants.…

Nuts for coconuts Coco Soul Organic Coconut Milk is a game-changer for dairy-free drinks, with over four times the coconut milk content of standard alternatives. Sourced from 100 per cent organic Vietnamese coconuts, it creates a froth-friendly, rich crema perfect for coffees, hot chocolates and smoothies. Packed with lauric acid – a nourishing fatty acid also found in mother’s milk – it offers natural germ-fighting and antiviral benefits. Free from dairy, gluten and lactose. Available at health stores nationwide. Up your platter game 180 degrees is a local NZ brand that has delighted Kiwis for over 20 years with its versatile range of crackers, and their cracker selection will have your guests mouths watering – especially their new Lightly Toasted crackers in Cranberry & Almond and Apricot & Pistachio. Whatever…

STEP 1 Gather your materials. YOU NEED • an old magazine (could also use an old colouring book that has been coloured in) • graphite pencil (for ruling lines) • ruler • scissors • glue (PVA or clear craft glue) • pipe cleaners (or thin elastic or yarn) • paint palette or lid of an old jar • pencils, rolled paper or paper straws Note: Young children should use scissors under adult supervision. STEP 2 Remove a page from your magazine and cut it into strips by drawing vertical lines 1 or 2cm apart (depending on your desired bead width – we made a mix of 1cm and 2cm beads) and then cutting along the lines with scissors. STEP 3 Pour some glue into the paint palette or jar lid. STEP…

I don’t like beetroot - that is until I tried your beetroot and ginger loaf. Un-iced and toasted even better. One of the many excellent features of the magazine and website are the good recipes. Keep them coming. Ann Love the summery issue. The interview with Robyn was super interesting. Love all the salad recipes and having a sneak peek into others homes! Clare I always enjoy reading Good magazine but the latest edition with the focus on travel was really inspiring. I loved reading the “Short Tales of Adventures” and have now booked my own nature adventure. Simonne Once again, a stunning magazine that enriches the mind and soul. There is nothing more relaxing than sinking into my favourite chair with a new crisp beautiful Good magazine in my…

Nana-J: Slowing down is the new power move Nana-J is making a case for slowing down in a world obsessed with hustle culture. The loungewear brand, founded by Kiwi Jess Hill, was born from a personal journey of burnout. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, Jess leaned into a different rhythm, embracing a lifestyle where comfort and wellbeing take priority. Nana-J is more than just loungewear; it’s a statement. Inspired by the ease and timelessness of a “nana” (grandmother), the collection features pieces that encourage women to move through life at a gentler pace. These versatile staples fit seamlessly into everyday routines, whether at home, heading to Pilates or meeting friends. Designed and crafted in Bali, each piece reflects a commitment to quality, comfort and intentional living. But Nana-J isn’t just…

BLUE PEA TEA & BLUE LOTUS TEA LATTE Serves 1 1 teaspoon dried blue pea flowers (or 1 blue pea tea bag)1 teaspoon dried blue lotus flowers1 cup (250ml) milk (almond, oat, coconut)½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (adjusted to taste)½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)extra blue pea or blue lotus flower petals for decoration (optional) In a small teapot or heatproof container, steep the dried flowers in ½ cup (125ml) of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain and add to a cup. With a frother, heat and aerate the milk to a creamy, velvety texture and add to the tea. Add the sweetener and vanilla extract (if using) to taste, and sprinkle over extra blue lotus petals for decoration. CACAO, ROSE & CARDAMOM LATTE Serves 1 1…

With Kiwisaver funds surpassing $100 billion in 2024 for the first time since its launch in 2007, investing is undoubtedly a growing interest for New Zealanders. Increasingly, says Olive Coulson of ethical investment charity Mindful Money, people care about where that money is going. War has been the “biggest wake-up” in aligning investments with personal values, she says. Mindful Money’s 2024 Consumer Demands Report found that 77 per cent of respondents expect ethical management of their funds, and 54 per cent would consider switching if their current provider didn’t align with their values. But in a world of economic buzzwords, where does the everyday investor start? Christopher Walsh, head of research at Moneyhub, says it’s “a very sensitive question” because it is inherently personal. He says fund managers take different…

Ten timeless pieces, plus your favourite accessories, can create endless looks. Build a lasting capsule wardrobe for mindful, sustainable and effortless dressing – so you can spend less time choosing and more time living! A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of versatile, timeless pieces designed to mix and match effortlessly. Prioritising quality over quantity simplifies dressing and supports sustainability. Choose a colour palette that complements your style – this doesn’t mean just neutrals but a cohesive range of shades.…

LEMON & THYME ROAST CHICKEN Serves 4 + leftovers / prep time: 30 minutes + overnight salting / cook time: 70–80 minutes + 10 minutes resting time Roast chicken is a real treat in our house. We don’t eat it often, and as we choose to purchase the pricier organic chickens, I will make it stretch over several meals. The leftover meat is used in a curry or added to a salad or sandwich, and the roasted bones make the most flavoursome stock for a risotto. The key to tender flesh and crispy skin is to pre-salt the chicken the night before and chill it overnight. I then allow some time for the chicken skin to dry out at room temperature while the oven is heating. The result is perfectly…

Fiordland National Park is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s top destinations for nature lovers, home to dramatic mountain ranges, glacier-carved valleys, dense rainforest and diverse wildlife. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound alone offers breathtaking views and countless nature walks. But if you’re looking for a trail that delivers all the beauty without the crowds, Lake Marian is a must-do. It’s challenging enough to break a sweat and has everything you could hope for in a hike – lush forest, rushing waterfalls, impressive peaks and a stunning alpine lake. And if you’re up for it, you might find yourself taking one of the most exhilarating swims of your life. Know before you go Time and difficulty: The return hike takes three to 3.5 hours. It’s a steady uphill…

Shino glaze is used in ceramics for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is identified by its off-white-to-pale-orange or red colour, with a distinctive crackled or pitted surface. How did you get started in pottery? I have always loved making things, particularly functional items used in everyday life. So, making pottery was just a natural part of that. Can you explain how your early experiences with pottery influenced your approach to ceramics? I was very fortunate to have my first experience with clay at the Golden Bridge Pottery in Pondicherry, India, run by Ray Meeker and Deborah Smith, both amazing potters. I just fell in love with their approach to clay. What was it like rediscovering pottery in New Zealand after you had a career break to raise your family? Returning to…