Hello
As a proud, nature-loving New Zealander I like to keep track of how our beautiful country and planet earth will fare in the future. There’s global concern about overpopulation and how long the earth’s resources can sustain our current population growth (there are around 7.5 billion people now and the United Nations predicts the figure will reach
9.7 billion by 2050). The apparent consensus is that it’s not the number of people on earth that’s an issue, it’s how much we’re consuming that’s the problem. In the words of Gandhi: “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.”
So this issue is a nod to nature, filled with easy, everyday ideas that help benefit our future selves and future generations. This month’s homeowners are all living more consciously in their own ways. The Fludes used energy-efficient materials to build exactly what they needed and no more in their stunning Northland home. Christine Collaine and Todd Brady filled their Auckland abode with upcycled and secondhand items, and Nelson’s Sam Williams and Poppy MacPhedran used their DIY skills to create a cosy home with a small environmental footprint. Even The Block NZ is doing its bit − foreman Peter Wolfkamp shares how the new-builds are going above and beyond the Building Code on page 97.
As people become increasingly busy and stressed, there’s a move towards learning DIY skills, working with your hands and creating more connection. So this month I challenged our team to try their hand at different craft workshops. Thank you to all the makers who passed on their skills and knowledge to us − you can see the results on page 42. Have a mindful month!