CRAFT-COMPASS

New Zealand artists rely heavily on tourism for a good portion of their income in remote places like Golden Bay. I am certainly one of those artists. Living in paradise is lovely but in reality, money is still required! Last week I recited a poem at the famous Mussel Inn. The reading was of a song called 'Money Isn't Real' - recorded by country artist Jordan Davis. It speaks to only needing the basics and what true wealth is - family and friends. This really does sum up Golden Bay. Many of us...

New Zealand Bird of the Year 2026 has gone to the Karure black robin. A very cute little bird from the Chatham Islands. The surviving karure are descended from one breeding pair known as Old Blue and Old Yellow. There are currently approximately 350 karure, which is actually a huge amount compared to the 1980's when there were less than 10. New Zealand Bird of the Year has a history of putting lesser-known native birds on the map and engaging people to have a greater awareness of the native...

Meryth showcased her gift and homeware products at the NZ Gift and Homeware Fair in Auckland from the 30th of August to 1st September 2026. Her new tea towels, cushion covers, make up bags, tote bags, and aprons were on show alongside her better-known NZ native bird greeting cards. The opportunity to meet buyers, retailers, makers and creators was immensely helpful and has already developed into some potential collaborations. Meryth is a social butterfly at these things and made the most of...