No more boring_
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

No more boring_

An unexpected reconnection with his roots saw Matakana local, Gwynn Hoskins, co-founding a company that is transforming New Zealand workplaces.

Read More
Rural aesthetics reimagined
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Rural aesthetics reimagined

Nestled amidst a verdant expanse of native bush, this home exemplifies a harmonious blend of sustainable design principles and rural architectural aesthetics.

Read More
Internationally acclaimed artist returns to Warkworth
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Internationally acclaimed artist returns to Warkworth

Nestled in the heart of Warkworth, overlooking the picturesque Mahurangi River, a new era of tattoo artistry unfolds. Meet Ryan Evans, an internationally acclaimed tattoo artist whose journey has taken him from London to Los Angeles and beyond.

Read More
Layers of emotion
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Layers of emotion

Growing up in Melbourne, Tracey Coakley's journey with art began in her childhood. Her passion for creating never waned, and in 2000, after returning from travelling and living overseas, she embarked on an art folio course. It was here that she discovered her love for oils and has been painting in this medium ever since.

Read More
The builders cabin
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

The builders cabin

Discover the inspiring journey of realising a family's holiday home dream in the picturesque landscapes of Mangawhai. A masterful transformation of their initial plans culminating in the coupling of two transportable pods to create their ideal haven, all while blending functionality, style and affordability.

Read More
Taylored for kitchens and beyond
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Taylored for kitchens and beyond

Local cabinetmaker, Neil Taylor, has a wealth of knowledge and years of experience behind him; becoming interested in woodwork at a young age in his granddad’s shed, Neil went on to graduate as an award-winning apprentice and opened Neil Taylor Cabinetmaker & Design (NTCD) in 2011.

Read More
Transferring interiors with luxe linens
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Transferring interiors with luxe linens

Enjoying a few gins on Omaha Beach as the sun dipped low on the horizon, was the laid-back setting that Sharon Elsmore, the mastermind behind The Linen Trader, found her inspiration.

Read More
Painting with purpose
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Painting with purpose

Meet Bianca and Sam, the duo behind Better House Painters, a bespoke house painting business with a green twist.

Read More
Bringing desert flare to kiwi shores
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Bringing desert flare to kiwi shores

Based out of her home studio in Maungaturoto, Vivian is combining her passion for Western and Americana style with her love of fashion, art and photography to share a unique aesthetic with fellow Kiwis via lifestyle brand, Desert Fiend.

Read More
Flourishing ventures
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Flourishing ventures

Having spent her childhood visiting Point Wells, florist Wendy Hart and her husband Richard dreamed of raising their children amidst its idyllic charm. Over the last 25 years, they cherished their waterside Point Wells bach, until two years ago when they decided to deepen their ties to the beloved community.

Read More
Celestial festival
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Celestial festival

A three-day festival, three stages, 31 acts, including DJs, performers, live music, yoga, breathwork, meditation and Qigong, and of course a wedding ceremony. Wendy and Brett celebrated their wedding with 300 guests in attendance and personal touches co-created by 85 plus people from their community. A celestial festival with a framework intention of love, connection and oneness, guests gathered to explore these themes while an ethereal aesthetic was created with extensive use of fabrics, from golds in lounging areas to cobalt blues in ceremonial spaces, and at night creative lighting and lasers.

Read More
Embracing heritage, crafting future
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Embracing heritage, crafting future

Nestled gracefully on a crest along the stunning Matakana coast, this exceptional property seamlessly blends heritage charm and modern luxury. The journey of this remarkable home, now known as Te Wairua, unfolds around the dedication of its owners, Pat and Ginny, who approached their first major renovation with respect and vision.

Read More
Rural luxury meets urban proximity
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Rural luxury meets urban proximity

A remarkable journey of resilience and adventure culminates in an unforgettable off-grid glamping experience nestled in a secluded grove of mature Kauri forest, just 12 minutes north of Matakana.

Read More
Making waves in fashion
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Making waves in fashion

Beloved local surf brand, Gypsea Sol, made waves earlier this year with the launch of their inaugural Capsule Collection. Danica shares her vision for the collection and the success of the brand's debut into clothing and accessories.

Read More
Black Swamp coastal oasis
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Black Swamp coastal oasis

When Maris and Logan Holt purchased land on the infamous Black Swamp Road in Mangawhai they knew they needed to design a home that would showcase and enhance the pristine beauty of the section's all-encompassing protected native bush.

Read More
The untold story of the feijoa
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

The untold story of the feijoa

Nature writer, Kate Evans, transforms her unwavering obsession and nostalgic yearning for feijoa into a captivating narrative with her first book, FEIJOA: A Story of Obsession and Belonging – published by Moa Press with a release date of March 2024.

Read More
A creative haven
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

A creative haven

Transcending from a shared vision into a vibrant reality, Umi in Matakana is not only a retail store selling beautiful objects, but also a space to gather and connect.

Read More
Matakana to London, and beyond!
Bianca Howlett Bianca Howlett

Matakana to London, and beyond!

In the hallowed shopping halls of Harrods department store in London, locally-owned pillow brand, Hyoumankind, can now be found gracing its shelves. The journey to this prestigious retail destination began far from the elegant displays and bustling crowds. It started with a simple holiday among friends, where one woman's quest for a restful night's sleep sparked a revolution in pillow design.

Read More