Home. There are myriad ways to encapsulate this place of sanctuary and comfort and, in this magazine, our mission is to show the breadth of designs and styles that can be part of the process. The bare bones of structure, design, fixtures and fittings – inside and out – are vitally important in providing a place of retreat that functions efficiently and provides the perfect framework to enjoy life to the full. Here at NZ House & Garden, we like to pose questions that help to reveal ways of life and to offer for your consideration a wide range of alternative solutions.
Editor Michal McKay with editorial controller Rebecca Webb.
Ultimately, the point is that our homes have a huge impact on our lives and moods – not only individually, but as a family – and they undoubtedly influence how we develop. Our true enjoyment of them is as much about what we do there as how they are decorated. Sleeping, eating, chatting and sharing are a part of our daily routine but these activities can be a pure pleasure in surroundings that are not only stylish and welcoming, but also practical in their response to the family rhythm.
All over the world there are certain essentials that come together to make “home” the refuge we want it to be. Until now, our coverage of those things has, necessarily, been two-dimensional. Each month we go behind the doors and gates of Kiwis who are the heartbeat of our country, discover what makes “home” for them and deliver them to our pages for your reading pleasure. But in March we are offering the chance to see these beautiful places in the three dimensions of real life with our NZ House & Garden Tours – forty properties in four centres: Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Christchurch.
Of course we wouldn’t be doing this unless we had a great cause. And we do. I am sure you will remember our campaign in 2007 called Moments of Tranquillity for the Cancer Society of New Zealand – we raised more than $90,000 for this worthwhile charity. Well, this time we plan to raise that bar with what we predict will be the largest event of its kind in New Zealand, in support of the Cancer Society of New Zealand and Look Good Feel Better.
Naturally we couldn’t do this without the wonderful assistance of our selfless homeowners, who have offered to open their front doors and their garden gates to bring the pages of our magazine to life. Through their incredible generosity you will be taken behind the scenes of some of the most inspiring houses and gardens that have appeared in the magazine, and into others that will be opened publicly for the first time.
Our admiration for the work of these amazing charities and their tireless volunteers knows no bounds. And we felt it was time we put in some of our own hard work to give back.
March 2009 is the month, so earmark it now. For complete details of dates and ticket purchasing see page 33 of the January 2009 issue, or click here to get in early.
One day out of your life in support of this great campaign could give a whole life back to someone who otherwise may not have it.
Isn’t it worth it?
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