About The New Zealand Artist Fiercely Dedicated To Expressing Her Visual Intelligence — The United States has Georgia O’Keeffe, the Netherlands has Vincent van Gogh, New Zealand has Rita Angus. Well, that’s how I see it and feel when I see Rita Angus’ paintings. Had she lived elsewhere in the Western world, there would by now be a museum dedicated to her. Rita…

A True Story of Off-grid Life — I’d never seen a pig in my forest until a new neighbor bought the house across the road and befriended piglets from the woods behind his property. Five years of no pigs; only birds, mason wasps and other insects, spiders, geckos, frogs, mice, worms and, occasionally, a possum. …

New Zealand’s New Public Holiday Is Determined by the Stars — Matariki is the Māori word for Pleiades. Coinciding with Winter Solstice on the Southern Hemisphere, the twinkling Matariki signal the Māori New Year. Traditionally, it was a time for remembering the dead and celebrating new life. According to Māori astronomer Dr Rangi Mātāmua, Matariki has increasingly become a part of…

Why the Relationship between New Zealand and China Is in Flux — When a foreign minister tells exporters to diversify trade agreements, and not put all their eggs “in one basket with China”, it’s likely things are about to change. But how, that remains to be seen. The soft warning came from New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta. She referred…

Who is Tusiata Avia, Winner of the Poetry Prize 2021? — “It’s really important [for Pacifica people] to see ourselves [reflected in society]. …

Wait until you read about their sex life. — Each individual worm has both female and male sex organs, yet they still mate to procreate. Their lovemaking is a true feat of multitasking Spotting an outsized earthworm slithering over my patio ignited my instant interest in this critter, its…

“Reading Recipe Books And Dancing On Bad Children’s Music” — When it comes to staying sane, focused and efficient, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern knows what to do. But she admits it took her a long time to realize you don’t need to feel guilty when taking the space and time to look after yourself and your mental health. “When we’re…

Now That Most Of Us Can’t travel — There’s an equally popular and persistent myth about New Zealand/Aotearoa: that the South Island is more beautiful than the North Island. Perhaps it’s because of the Lord of the Rings movies. …