Life Style Blocks

A more recent development since I left New Zealand in 1973 has been the “The Life Style Blocks”. These are small holdings where people can try to live off the land. They are around 12 acres in size and the idea is to run a few livestock on them and plant lots of vegetables. As my country cousins say, it appeals to “townies” who have enough money to buy one and want to experience country living. Apparently some on them don’t have a clue how to manage the land and either need to hire someone to look after it for them or the land deteriorates. My cousin David, who was a farmer, now manages six “Life Style Blocks” plus one of his own.

My cousin Tina, short for Christina and her husband Steve own one on the outskirts of Waihi. After some initial guidance they are now managing theirs pretty well. Their house is really beautiful with a deck running around three quarters of the property. It is just beautiful to sit out on the deck and look at the scenery and the young male calves that Tina calls “her boys”.

Tina invited me to stay last night and her cousin Val, who is my second cousin, and husband Phil came across to join us for a BBQ. While sitting on the deck I happened to catch sight of one of New Zealand’s iconic birds, the Fantail, which flew down and perched on a pot. The tail fans out, hence the name Fantail.

It was such a lovely evening that we sat out all night eating meat raised on the “Block” The meal itself was preceded with the now familiar cheese and wine. New Zealand now produces a huge range of cheeses; Brie, Camembert, New Zealand Blue and Cheddar to name but a few. Either Brie or Camembert seem to be the favoured cheese for these pre dinner nibbles.

Another aspect of New Zealand living that has fascinated me is the design of the kitchens. Instead of cupboards the newer houses or kitchens mostly have pull out drawers where you put all your crockery and pots and pans. I was hunting for the rubbish bin under the sink like I have, but no, in Kiwi kitchens they are hidden away in pull out drawers. I must say it is a far better system for someone with a bad back and much easier to organise your pots and pans in particular. Tina has a beautiful kitchen and my cousin Mary has one made out of Rimu wood with a Kauri work surface., two of New Zealand’s native trees. Hopefully some of these ideas might catch on in the United Kingdom.