‘ TIS THE SEASON

I WANTED TO WRITE to say how much I enjoyed reading the story For the love of a spud ( NZ Life & Leisure, September/October) and learning about the Heartland Potato Chips multi- generational family business. It is an inspirational story of someone as a young man discovering his passion for growing a good potato, which has led to a business spanning the generations with challenges along the way. So often, you are faced with rows and rows of generic products in the supermarket, and it is so nice to be able to appreciate the history and journey behind a brand. Incidentally, as I was reading the article, I remembered I had picked up a packet of chips from the supermarket as a lockdown treat. Upon getting them out from the cupboard, I discovered that they were Heartland Chips. They tasted extra delicious knowing they were grown at Fallgate Farm by passionate South Canterbury potato farmers. Sarah Blong, Auckland

IT WAS A WONDERFUL surprise to open the September/October edition to see an article about Revology in Wānaka. Having spent 50- plus years living overseas in several countries and three years ago (thankfully) returning to live in New Zealand, I can say with hand on heart that Revology is the most amazing shop and concept I have ever encountered anywhere in the world.

I happened upon it while visiting Wānaka with my Canadian sister- in- law, and we were delighted to have a long conversation with Alex about his chairs, which we both instantly fell in love with. I have returned a couple of times and now long to own some of those truly wonderful chairs.

Alex and Monique are genuinely inspirational and Covid-19 permitting, I will make my annual pilgrimage back to Revology this summer to admire the coveted chairs once again, along with many other beautiful products. As a footnote, I have also discovered ManukaRx products featured in your magazine and love them.

Barbara Sorensen, Whangapāraoa

I AM A CONVERT. As soon as this latest rapid lockdown was announced, my neighbour and I swapped a bunch of magazines, not knowing how long we would be stuck in our bubbles. My contribution to her resulted from a gift subscription received for my birthday. It consisted of high- end glossy magazines full of multi- million- dollar homes and gardens, articles on achieving the perfect body and air- brushed models advertising expensive wrinkle creams.

Her contribution to me was NZ Life & Leisure. What a breath of fresh air — real New Zealanders mucking in and doing great things. I love the New Zealand- made products advertised and local interest stories. These have been just the pick- me- up that I needed, and they will be top of my wish- list for future birthdays.

Susan Roy, Rangiora

Angela Clifford, co- owner of The Food Farm in North Canterbury, celebrates the roadside takeover of fragrant elderflowers with an annual batch of cordial. She shares her time-tested recipe, as well as tips on avoiding fermentation at thisnzlife. co. nz. Find more elderflower recipes in the December issue of

NZ Lifestyle Block.