What the big country looks like and what it can do to you

New Zealand was rattled last night by the strongest earthquake since the big one that destroyed Napier in the 1930s. It was a 7.8 magnitude shake and lasted several minutes.  The quake hit in the south of the South Island but was felt right across the country.  I...

Making the most of the Wellington waterfront

Given New Zealand is an Island nation, I’ve been underwhelmed by the kiwi appetite for seafood.  Aside from Fush and Chups on a Friday night there seems to be a dearth of a foodie culture around fish.  Getting to grips with southern hemisphere fish species is...

A winter meal made easy

It’s comfort we all crave during the winter as if at other times of the year we can put up with a little discomfort.  Where food is concerned I’m always looking for that feel good factor all year round.  During winter what feels good is something warming...

Dreaming of a bright garden summer

Even though we’re languishing in what feels like the longest kiwi winter our friends in the northern hemisphere are enjoying things a bit brighter and warmer.  They are also enjoying the height of the gardening summer.  A touch of summer arrived by email the...

A date with the providores

New Zealand is quite a foodie place but it’s often hard to access really good food stuffs.  The supermarkets carry much of the day to day but if you’re looking for something a bit special – meat, fish or other fancies – it’s not as...