The BOP Open Studios art trail weekend will offer fascinating glimpses into the world of vastly different artists, from sculptors using industrial tools to jewellers, potters and painters.

Tamati Robens (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu, Rangitāne) and Morgan Norris met through a common passion for fitness. Seeing whānau and friends go through challenging times with their mental and physical health inspired the young couple to develop a business that focused on helping others experience better health and wellbeing. In 2023, they launched ARO supplements, a plant-based protein business using Te Ao Māori wisdom to encourage better nutritional choices for overall hauora.

Mount-based photographer Jane Keam has spent time in the small coastal town of Mahia, capturing the connection between people and the land for her new book, The Land Remains; A Tribute to Mahia.

Bay of Plenty was originally named for the region’s bountiful abundance and, as each edition of Our Place has shown, there’s still plenty of important local stories to be told.

What are weeds exactly? It appears one man’s weed is another man’s feed... or shade, or even something that can help rebalance soil. Jim Annear takes another look at these much-maligned plants.