NZ Mortgages Managing Director Nathan Miglani offers an insight into where the property market is heading and why stability is a reason for confidence. There was some relief at the end of February when the Reserve Bank announced the OCR would remain at 5.5 per cent. While of course we would welcome a drop, having it hold provides a level of certainty for the next few months, which allows for confidence to start creeping back into the property market.  For the last four to five months, interest rates have sat around six to seven per cent. People have accepted this. They are what they are ..read more

Our annual education special brings you a unique insight into those leading some of our most prestigious schools and the visions they have for their school community in the year ahead. Ashburton College Simon Coleman, Principal/tumuaki Kia ora. Ashburton College is a thriving, multi-cultural, co-educational school that provides high-quality education for families in Mid Canterbury. As the largest secondary school in the region, we focus on providing for the varied range of needs of all our students, who reflect the increasing diversity of our Mid Canterbury community. Ashburton College is s ..read more

Nothing says love more than a delicious hearty dinner, and these mouth-watering dishes from Peter Timbs Meats are the perfect solution for those seeking ideas for what to cook Mum this Mother’s Day – or for those simply looking for something easy and hearty to enjoy on these cooler autumn nights. You can’t go wrong! Cumberland Pork Sausages With Buttery Kumara Mash & Onion Gravy (Pictured Above) Prep 15 Minutes  Cooking 20 Minutes   Serves 4 2 tbsp olive oil 8 Peter Timbs Cumberland sausages  1 brown onion, thinly sliced 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp wholegrain mu ..read more

In the enchanting world of children’s literature, a new book has emerged to captivate young hearts and minds. A Friend Like You is a heart-warming tale that takes little readers into the whimsical world of April the fantail and Fletch the pup! Cara Calvin, the creative force behind the narrative, poured her heart into the story, and A Friend Like You carries a special significance. It was written in loving memory of Cara’s friend, April-Lee Morel, who passed away in March 2020 after a devastating accident. The book serves as a tribute to April’s spirit, celebrating the enduring power of frien ..read more

All you have to do is ask, and someone will teach you a few things about farming. That is the advice of 21-year-old Angus Grant, who grew up in Christchurch and has wanted to be a farmer since he was barely out of nappies.  Angus Grant’s path into farming has been quite different compared to a country kid. Seeing financial opportunity in chickens, Angus convinced his father, a builder, to convert his sisters’ playhouse into a chicken coop and consequently, every Friday afternoon back in his primary school days was spent with cartons of eggs dangling from his handlebar as he biked the nei ..read more

Transforming walls into works of art, Resene’s FX Paint Effects – used to create a limewashed finish – offers a timeless and elegant way to add character and depth in any space, with its unique ability to create a soft, mottled texture reminiscent of aged plaster.  Here we delve into the art of limewashing with Resene paints, exploring the techniques, benefits, and endless possibilities this classic finish brings to home décor.  Here’s how Apply two basecoats, using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in a light colour (for example Resene Double Alabaster). Using a darker colour (for exam ..read more

In today’s hyperconnected world, social media is an integral part of our daily lives. Matt Hantler from Abbott Insurance Brokers shares a social media survival guide to keep you, and your loved ones safe. From sharing adventures, to connecting with loved ones, social media is a powerful tool that shapes our personal and professional lives. But the digital highway comes with its own set of risks, and understanding them is crucial to safeguarding what matters most. With the right precautions and insurance coverage, you can enjoy the benefits of social media without compromising your safety and ..read more

Across both public and private practice, Dr Greg Phillipson treats many women who have to cope with the devastation of recurrent early pregnancy loss. Seeking answers quickly can help to make sense of the emotions. One pregnancy loss is hard enough; two can be devastating. When someone has experienced two losses in a row then investigations may provide the answer. Within the public system, however, only after three miscarriages will specialist referral for follow-up be considered. Not understanding the possible reasons for recurrent pregnancy loss can exacerbate the emotional distress that o ..read more

It is time to be positive. NZ Mortgages Managing Director Nathan Miglani offers an insight into where the property market is heading this year. As the new year dawns and we embark on 2024, we can take some confidence from the fact that the real estate market is heading in the right direction. The light is no longer at the end of the tunnel, it is within reach. While it won’t be until quarter three or even quarter four of this year that we start to see some relief when it comes to interest rates, we know the market is going in the right direction when people start to build. For a long time in ..read more

Education is ever-changing and 2024 is set to be even more dynamic. There are many colliding signals of change which interact and add to the complexity our young people face today. Dr Cheryl Doig explains. Flexible learning opens up so many new possibilities while also challenging our thinking about the purpose of schools, whose needs are being met, or not, and what unintended consequences might arise. At first read, the three signals below may seem unrelated, but together they demonstrate the complexity of growing up in today’s world. They show the impact of technology for good and for evil ..read more