Your land’s pretty special and you know visitors would love to experience it, but you don’t have the time or skills to think about running a tourist venture? There are options. At Island Hills Station tourism’s booming under a different model.

More than 30 years after someone gave Brent (Red) and Libby Cunningham the backing they needed to have a crack at owning a plumbing business, they're now helping another couple take that next step. 

A small group of Waimate volunteers putting thousands of hours into protecting two of the district’s native forests has been named a finalist in the 2026 Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Awards.

Among the new activities at Waimate District Library these holidays is Gaming with Kate - a gaming session for children with a serious message behind the fun.

Books, computers… and now seeds. Waimate Library’s latest initiative is getting the community growing, sharing and saving seeds.

When Tony Chamberlain steps onto the board at the Waimate Shears in October, he'll be completing a personal challenge. It will be his 50th consecutive year competing at his home event, shearing five sheep as quickly and as cleanly as he can.

Creatives across Waimate District are being brought together on an ambitious project to “supercharge” The Waimate Trail – Te Ara Waimatemate.

Large-scale murals, a giant bicycle, a ghost-like moa, 100 butterflies and stone carvings are among the artworks planned for Footsteps of Our Ancestors, the trail's outdoor sculpture project.

A free bed, some “sheep stuff” and a scholarship brought Ryan Luckman to Waimate as a veterinary student. More than 20 years later, he’s still here.

These days, he’s focused on finding solutions to some pretty complex agricultural challenges.

On the other side of the Waitaki River, at Danseys Pass, Aimy Chin has been busy creating stunning artworks. But behind the increasingly bright colours is a much deeper story.

Take a peek at this stunning four bedroom property, on the edge of town.

Waimate’s investment in two modern community facilities is proving its value to the community.

They are busy community hubs, with new activities bringing people of all ages through their doors.

Meet the teams making it happen - including one unicorn and a badly behaved dinosaur.

Young people from Mid Canterbury to North Otago are being asked what life is really like for them in 2026 - and they could win one of 15 $100 Prezzy Cards for taking part.

District Life is going into print, with the first edition of a new monthly community paper launching in September.

Jessie and Ray Haanen run a tourism operation on their lifestyle block that incorporates accommodation and alpaca tours.

Their advice to anyone considering agritourism - start with what you’ve got.

For generations, rural New Zealanders have done what they do best - worked hard, built successful businesses and focused on the long game.

In this article, we find out how off-farm investments can help protect and grow what people have spent a lifetime, or generations, building.

Another new business has opened on Waimate’s main street, blending art with ice cream.

The Old Tin Shed Ice Cream and Art Emporium was officially opened on Sunday, with a crowd gathering in the winter sunshine to eat ice cream, get arty and watch the ribbon cutting

After nearly a decade serving as Chief Executive of Waimate District Council, Stuart Duncan has announced his resignation.

Mr Duncan said the decision had been made after considerable reflection and was driven by a desire to ensure the Council is well positioned for the future.

There’s a new wave of sewers, knitters and crafters emerging in Waimate and at the centre is a main street business that has become far more than just a shop.

Plenty of practical tips were shared at a free property seminar on Tuesday night.

The message was clear - Waimate's property market remains active, supported by a steady stream of people choosing to make the district home.

Read on for some of the key takeaways from the event.

According to Agritourism NZ founder and chief executive Marijke Dunselman, many farmers already have what they need for an agritourism business sitting right under their noses.

It could simply be looking at what is already there through a different lens.