Popular social media influencer Larissa Carlson has been sharing what inspires her most online since her teenage years – and right now, it’s the Wairarapa

For someone who has spent most of his life on and around the sea, Wairarapa craftsman Richard Searle could be forgiven for now feeling a bit landlocked. But, no – he’s happy away from the hustle and bustle of America’s Cup and super-yacht sailing, quietly creating custom outdoor furniture in his workshop on the outskirts of Masterton. By Simon Burt. Photo by Lucia Zanmonti

Erin Kavanagh-Hall reached out on social media, asking locals to nominate some of the unsung heroes of the lockdown who have gone over and above to support their community through the quarantine. And it’s safe to say, there are so many more that are not listed here…

One of less than a handful of surfboard shapers in New Zealand, from a young age Ian Manze was "hooked" on the ocean and on being on some kind of surf craft. So much so, he’d eventually turn his passion into a career.

An entrepreneurial spirit, design and sewing skills, and a love of ethical fabrics and sustainability, have allowed Joanna Hehir to build a new life in Carterton.

Swapping a stressful corporate lifestyle for a new life in the Wairarapa proved to be the right choice for Christian and Margie Carter, owners of the region’s Driving Miss Daisy franchise.

With the world in the midst of a new reality, Sara Bunny muses on travel memories, feline foibles and the joy of great neighbours.

Following her stars from Somerset to Greytown, Becky Bateman is opening our eyes to the wonders of the night sky.

In the Disney/Pixar film Brave, Princess Merida, the flame-haired protagonist, rides through the forest, deftly loosing arrows from on top of her Shire draft horse. Eketahuna’s Denise Clifton is a real-life Merida – though she does fancy herself more of a light-armoured cavalryman.

Tapestry is the kind of shop where you could walk in looking for a birthday present for a friend, and walk out having also bought the dress you’ll wear to the party. Owner Pam Wickstead talks to Katherine Robinson about a life in style.

Perpetual summer is just one of the benefits of Adam and Millie Blackwell’s double life. Adam talks to us about life and work in two hemispheres, and how California’s Napa Valley is not so different to the Wairarapa. By Katherine Robinson.

Rugby may be our national obsession, but there’s quite a bit going on elsewhere. Erin Kavanagh-Hall takes a look at a few of the region’s lesser known sports.

Three Wairarapa photographers achieved success at this year’s highly contested NZIPP Iris awards. Esther Bunning was named the NZIPP Book Photographer of the Year for her Gold Award-winning book Children of Aotearoa, printed by Lamb Peters Print in Greytown, so a truly local production.

Part of Toast Martinborough’s charm lies in the smooth running behind the scenes. Long-time transport partner Tranzit is a big cog in the Toast wheel.

Locally raised, internationally renowned musician Mike August aka Mike Fabulous and Lord Echo will play a gig in the Wairarapa. The former Black Seeds and Fly My Pretties multi-instrumentalist will headline the sold-out Tora Bombora festival in January as Lord Echo, with his fabulous band of longtime collaborators.