Claire Inkson

07/05/2026

After years of admiring them from afar, our 1964 Airstream Overlander Land Yacht is finally here. Polished aluminium, old soul, and a whole lot of stories still to come.

Still slightly surreal seeing her parked at home.

05/05/2026

European beech putting on a stunning autumn show outside my office window.
Rumour has it this tree was taken as a seedling from the Christchurch botanic gardens in the 1950s. It’s my absolute favourite tree 🍂

04/05/2026

Fernside this morning.
Fog, wet grass, and a very curious audience 🐄

01/05/2026

Best thing about my job? Interviewing legends like this. Such an honour 🖤

There are some songwriters whose music feels woven into the back roads of New Zealand.Not because they set out to write “rural” songs, but because they have lived that life. They have travelled the country, watched people closely, and learned how to tell a story the way New Zealanders talk. Stra...

01/05/2026

The May issue of Rural Guardian is out now.

Our cover story is a good place to start. The Waikari Warriors, a small rural school taking out the AgriKids regional title. Big result, and a great reminder of what rural kids are capable of when they are given the opportunity and support.

Inside, we have taken a closer look at the dairy payout and what it actually means on farm. There is a lot being said about it, but for many farmers it is less about getting ahead and more about getting back to even after a tough few years .

There are also some strong stories around environmental work, community, and the people quietly doing things well. Plus a look at the ongoing pressure from rising costs and what that is doing behind the scenes.

And then a few lighter moments too, including the Methven ploughing champs, which pulled a great crowd and some seriously impressive skill.

A good snapshot of where things are at right now.

If you want a read, the latest issue is live online 👇
https://www.ruralguardian.com/digitaleditions

28/04/2026

We may have done a thing.
Arriving this week.
riverlodgenz

19/04/2026

Love it when you stumble across an author and suddenly you’ve got a stack you can’t put down.

Frederik Backman has been that for me. Picked these up from The Next Chapter Bookstore and now I get the hype. He writes people properly. Flawed, awkward, kind, frustrating, all at once. The sort of characters that feel familiar, like you’ve met them before or maybe been them at some point.

What I love most is the way he threads in the why. Why people react the way they do, why they say the wrong thing, why they carry what they carry. It reminds you that everyone is showing up with a backstory you don’t see, and that maybe a bit more grace wouldn’t go amiss.

If you’re looking for something that pulls you in but also makes you think a little deeper, start here. And if you’re looking for a bookstore that stocks books you actually want to read, check out The Next Chapter.
nextchapterwanaka

17/04/2026

“Above all else: You are worth the lilies… What are your lilies? Please go buy them today.” — Tara Schuster

Bought these on Wednesday from Country House Grocer (Woodend).

I love a store like this. Beautifully set out so even shopping feels good. Which is saying something because I usually hate it.

Lilies are my favourite. A small treat now and then. The rest of the time it’s whatever I pick on a walk. Weeds, depending who you ask.

Make sure you pop into thecountryhousegreengrocer next time you are in North Canterbury.Family run, backing NZ growers, and actually good value. Worth a stop.

15/04/2026

Flashback to Easter at Lake Hawea.
Bit windy, bit wild, so beautiful.

15/04/2026

I never thought I’d get excited about a seed delivery… but here we are.

Vegetable garden is well underway and I’m fully embracing my learner plates. Bit of trial, bit of error, bit of blind optimism.

Let’s see what actually grows.
kingsseedsnz Kings Seeds