Behind the scenes
This issue we say goodbye to Bea Taylor, who joined us as a new grad two and a half years ago and soon became indispensable – combining her writing skills with digital smarts and a stylist’s eye for what looks beautiful on the page. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to: The NZ House & Garden Instagram account, which has been my baby. I’ve grown it from 1000 followers to over 24,000 and I love finding beautiful images that work well together – I can always count on a pet shot or a green and white garden to do well.
I’ve loved writing house stories:
I often sit down for a coffee first – once people are relaxed they’ll tell you more about themselves. One homeowner even made me risotto for lunch.
Happiest moment: Being the bunny wrangler on last year’s spring shoot. Sue Hoffart has written dozens of stories for the magazine over the years, but she’s in her element sniffing out fabulous places for our house tours. She’s put together a quirky and original mix of homes for a tour in Oamaru next year, including Dot Smith’s castle (see it in our next issue). Riverstone Castle is: Almost as magnificent as Dot herself. I love the fact this creative, clever, outrageously energetic 70-year-old woman has not only held on to her lifelong dream, she’s rolled up her sleeves and made it come true.
I was charmed: By Oamaru – the magnificent stone buildings, great food and those warmly hospitable southerners. It makes it more meaningful: That the tours raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. I’m fed up with breast cancer striking good women.