The team at Harbour City Plumbing are absolutely primo when it comes to renovating your home. They are efficient, quick, straight to the point kiwi blokes that won't muck around. A Wellington owned and operated company that takes pride in their work, HCP are a team that will leave you feeling stress free about that plumbing issue you were worried about.

I'm all about honesty and integrity when it comes to choosing my tradey's for renovating or household issues that I know I can't fix. I like being told exactly what it is I need, exactly how much I'm looking at paying and potentially what issues may arise in worse case scenario - and the locally owned and operated team at Zeal Electrical do just that. They treat you like you're their only client, and make sure that you're 100% sure of what you're in for, before they start working.

This groovy little duo in Petone are my one stop shop when it comes to needing tiles. They will come into your house and help you decide on a tile option that suits your design, quote you on the price for the tiles, and price of installation AND they will install aswell! As I'm a lady of laziness and personally don't like dealing with too many tradies, this works out perfectly. I just sit back, relax and let the pro's at Italian Ceramics do the hard yards!

When you're renovating you might notice that the newest trend is wooden floors. I'm all about dark stain wooden floors to the point that they almost look black! It gives a sleek, modern twist to floorboards and I also know that not every Joe Blows will have the same. The team at Paragon are great, they know this and take all of your concerns into mind when coming up with the best options for your abode. A gorgeous husband and wife team complimented by a small team of experienced installers and over 25years experience combined, this company really knows their stuff.

I'm a Farmers Club member and I collect points on a nifty wallet card - every $10 you spend = 1 point and at 200 points you get a $20 reward card. Your club card also gives you discounts in the regular Farmers sales (you can sign up for the newsletter to be sent to you at home, which is what I've done). Today I got a MaXFactor colour correcting cream (like a tinted moisturiser) for $20 with my club card (good deal, right?). Farmers is also good for homeware, clothes and underwear and I even bought a new bed there last year which was good quality but didn't break the bank. If you're looking for something, chances are Farmers has it.

Bunnings has everything you want when you're looking for hardware and home supplies. I've bought, in the past: a pitcher plant, a venus flytrap (for $4!), a drill and drill bits, doorstops, plastic storage containers - and most recently, a desk lamp for just $9! (See photo for the range of desk lamps...). I was so impressed at the service. The staff are young, super well-trained and smiley and they know their stuff when you have questions. It's just a great store.

It may look like any other $2 shop, but this place has a huge variety of stock. If you can think of it, chances are they've got it, or something similar. I've got some super bargains here over the years. Once I needed a pair of aviators for a costume party (I went as a cop!) and I got a pair for about $4 here. Also I bought noise-reducing earphones for my iPod for $5 and they're great, and also photo frames and photo albums, cheap but good quality for the price. Recommended.

They know how to talk hardware at PlaceMakers and they're conveniently located if you're a local of Kilbirnie, Miramar or Hataitai. Know how. Can do. They'll put you right and see you on your way to renovating success. I got some solar-powered Salter bathroom scales here and they work a treat. Highly recommended and they're good at giving advice too.

Hundreds of paint colours for you to choose from and they'll give you expert advice and whip up the colours for you in no time. All the accessories required for a great paint job. A true DIYer's dream shop.

Thorndon Green stock a gorgeous array of carefully curated plants, furniture and garden equipment. If you’re going to get dirty, you might as well do it in style, right?

California Home and Garden have a massive selection of both indoor, and outdoor plants. From the more exotic Bonsai varieties, to hibiscus and fruit trees. They stock a wide rage of furniture, tools, and planters. Definitely a must-visit.

Mitre 10 has always got your back; having an impressive array of absolutely everything DIY, and the garden centre is no exception to this. Anything you would need, from tools, to fertilliser, to hanging baskets and plants. All at very reasonable prices.

Kai o Te Aro is the community garden you walk past all the time if you live in Aro Valley. The campus services at VUW have a link where you can volunteer to go plant stuff, and reap the benefits. This is such an easy and fun way to get out and do something for, and with the community.

Where else can you buy a bamboo toothbrush, organic grains, kombucha and vegan wine. I mean, does everyone not live like this? No. They don't because Commonsense is pretty expensive actually. But also, It's a great place to buy staples, and they do have almost everything under one roof.

Good guys with top quality service.

Quality workmanship with a can-do attitude.

Good guys, fixed my bumper to make it look like new!

A little unknown in Wellington, Matthew Pettengell is just getting started on designing and building some wickedly cool bits of furniture. Check back at his website in a little while once its completed it’s redevelopment, but for now you’ll have to trust me. One of pieces on commission and some stock products all proudly locally designed and made. If you have some ideas about building bit s of specific furniture then getting in contact is a must.

A little drive out from wellington towards Porirua and you end up at Trash Palace. This is the place to go if you are looking for cheap pieces to up-cycle or to breakdown and reuse in a variety of ways. It has nearly everything! It’s a must go if you are on a shoestring budget, aside from that you should go anyway, there are always gems on offer here! And with some work you can do magical things with a limited spend. And every dollar you spend has the added bonus of helping out Mana Recovery Trust, a not for profit entity which aims to help those with mental health issues rehabilitate and gain vocational training.

So you have a home renovation idea, or you just want to renovate something. Or you have an idea about doing a business redesign or fit-out. You should definitely get in touch with Commongoods aka Matt Smith and some others. They can provide you with a complete design/build if you ask, though he has limited housing experience his shop fit outs are fantastic, check out his work at Monterey/Six Barrel Soda/Garage Project for an idea of style and then get in touch. Matt’s great dude who will provide some excellent ideas and craftsmanship.

In terms of tradesmen, my knowledge is limited with the housing sector, but if you are looking for a job extremely well done, with extreme attention to detail, then you should call up these guys, local family run company based in the Hutt, specializing in home renovations. You will not be disappointed with the work ethic and craftsmanship available. It will be dollars well spent, as they have a long history of excellent jobs!

At 81Aro Street, across the road almost from Garage Projects brewing HQ is the General Store. For things slightly off kilter from what you find in your average furniture stores stock, they have a supply of things that always look wonderful for furnishing your home. A must visit, whilst not supplying building material it can help stoke ideas and provide items for décor. Also note the pieces of furniture done by Norwegian Wood, a local crafter inside of Aro that is up to all sorts of tasks if you ask him.

Half an hour’s drive out of Palmerston North, and 90 minutes from Wellington, Owlcatraz makes for a great day out, with a farm walk, Wairuru caves, the Shannon jail and Lake Owlsmere. But the main attraction are the titular owls, of which there are several, all with excellent names, like Owl Capone and Owlvis Presley. Around springtime there are bound to be baby animals, too.

Springtime means baby animals, so check ‘em out at Staglands. There’s an aviary, an eel pond, a deer park, and a stable of chicks, piglets and other baby animals. As removed from the city as it feels, it’s less than an hour’s drive from Wellington and there’s plenty of parking.

A new season is the perfect opportunity to refresh your personal space, and when I’m looking for something to brighten up my living area I like to pop over to Citta Design. Its selection of beautiful homewares and accessories is very covetable, but – even better – just practical enough so that you can justify the expense. Its online shop is very comprehensive, too, and you can often snag a bargain on sale.

Nothing says spring like fresh flowers and Woodstock Florist does among the best in Wellington. They’ve got a huge selection at a range of price points, and if you’re in over your head and don’t know your hydrangeas from your hibiscuses the staff are willing and able to put a bouquet together for you. If you’re making someone else’s day, there are greetings cards and small gifts in-store, too.

Herald in the new season by nailing the traditional ‘spring clean’ and ticking all those odd jobs you swore you’d do over the winter months off your to-do list. Mitre 10 MEGA is your one-stop shop for DIY supplies and advice, both inside the house and out. Get in, get out and get ‘em done.

Seriously, these guys are the business. When fixing up the flat or building a set; In many moments of not knowing what I need or what I need to do, they have always set me on the right course. Top blokes.

A cathedral to people who know what they’re talking about in DIY. They’ve never set me wrong when I’ve wandered in unsure how to make one thing into another thing or just how to fix two things together.

A seemingly endless oasis of cheap anythings. Always the last stop on every exhaustive search for eerily specific things, from that time I needed a phallic cactus to what I now refer to as the day of fifty desk lamps, it always proves that it should be the first destination of my fruitless searches for short-lived errata.

A Dick Smith where they actually know what they’re talking about? Not a myth. Just in Lyall Bay. Land of dreams, place of experts. Lyall Bay is the answer to life’s problems.

Looking for zines? Art? Jewelry? A new brooch? Matchbox has a little bit of everything, and soon they’ll have even more. Currently expanding to a Cuba St. storefront, this tiny shop was my best kept secret, tucked away up a flight of red stairs except on Friday nights, when they venture down to the Left Bank’s Night Market. Go for gift ideas your friends will actually like (bright totes, funky tea towels, zines) or to find what you’re craving (eyeball brooches, brass bunny rings, more zines).

A newly minted crocheter, I'll admit that when I first walked into Knit World on Cuba St.'s Left Bank to request 'crocheting supplies' I didn't get the big friendly welcome-to-our-club response I was expecting. But armed with an iron will (and some new terms, like 'hook' and 'double knit', from friends in the know) I returned. Not only did I get the approval I wanted, I was introduced to THE 8 PLY WALL-- a rare and beautiful creature known only to Knit World devotees. I left with a shiny new 4.5 mm hook and an armful of maroon wool and never looked back. Well, not until I needed more maroon wool. And found a whole bunch of other exciting double knits in the sale bins. Scarves, anyone?

As their slogan suggests, Made on Marion is a hub for all things crafty in Wellington. Most known for their craft supplies (think styrofoam in all shapes and sizes and a staggering assortment of needlepoint kits), sewing supplies, and classes ranging from making a lampshade to their dreamstress school of sewing, Made on Marion will fill your dreary winter days indoors with fun and brightly colored projects. Check their website for the class calendar-- with an average of six classes per week, many of which repeat in case you miss it the first go-round, and a new shop (Made Marion) open in the CBD in addition to their main branch on Marion St. (called Made on Marion), you'll never have an excuse NOT to get your craft on.

Come in early each Sunday for an ever-changing showcase of food and drinks from local producers. From wine tastings to cooking classes, demos from the professionals to teens selling lollies, City Market has a lot to offer. Come for the incredible House of Dumplings. Yum!

Besides the amazing goods imported from Italy? If you can resist making a beeline for the limoncello, chianti classico, and vats of sundried tomatoes in the warehouse, check out their menu of incredible, fresh, and authentic pizzas at the front of the store. If, like me, it’s a simple margherita you’re after, please upgrade to the margherita bufala (with high quality buffalo mozzarella). Seriously incredible.

Kia Ora Baby offers a curated range of baby gift baskets, essentials, and wooden toys. As a trusted online store in NZ, they provide local delivery and convenient East Tamaki pickup. Perfect for thoughtful gifts and everyday baby needs. 👉 www.kiaorababy.co.nz

Nature Baby is a well-loved NZ brand offering organic baby clothing, skincare, and natural essentials. Known for their sustainable and eco-friendly approach, they are trusted by many Kiwi families. 👉 www.naturebaby.com

Babycity is a New Zealand-based baby retail chain that provides a wide range of nursery furniture, prams, and baby gear. They offer both in-store and online shopping for Kiwi families.

Dimples is a premium New Zealand babywear brand, offering beautifully made clothing, blankets, and baby gifts. Their products are designed and crafted locally in Auckland, making them a trusted choice for special baby presents.

The Baby Factory is one of New Zealand’s largest baby stores, offering a wide range of nursery furniture, strollers, car seats, and baby essentials. With both physical stores and an online shop, it’s a convenient option for Kiwi parents.

Cubed polenta fries! Cubed polenta fries! Okay, I’m going to calm down now, but if you’ve had deep fried polenta cubes or slices, you know why I’m getting worked up - and if you haven’t, please try them out - but not too often!

Poached eggs, chorizo, rocket and roast peppers, on a bed of soft polenta! Admittedly it’s only available on the weekday brunch menu, but it’s incredibly good. Filling, but not too filling. Tasty, but yeah, way too tasty!

Poached eggs and slow cooked corn beef on a bed of soft polenta! Small, yet perfectly formed, this dish is remarkably filling, and not so remarkably given the contents, tasty as a pretty tasty thing. Once you’ve sampled their polenta delight, move onto the rest of the menu - always accompanied by strong coffee!

Warm White Polenta Porridge with roasted rhubarb, cinnamon, golden syrup & palm sugar!!! I’m holding off on repeating the name of this dish here, so I’m gonna add in some more !!!’s to emphasize my excitement. This is a fantastic breakfast dish. Tasty, healthy and filling without being heavy. It’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Ti Kouka Cafe menu as well!

This lovely lovely wine bar has an immaculate tapas menu. Lurking amongst that tapas menu - you guessed it - herbed polenta fries. This place is great to a long catch-up with friends, or maybe time a little bit more intimate with that special someone (or potential special someone?)

Don’t let the name put you off - this bar, based on American dive bars, is all about beer (and tasty food, including pizza from nearby Pizza Pomodoro). Golding’s has no brewery ties, just a massive selection of craft beer, and other alcohol options.

A huge wine selection (600 bottles!) and incredibly tasty menu for affordable prices. Try the garlic buns, they are killer. Plus their pasta is always delicious.

Their caramelised apple French toast is easily the best in town - but all of their menu and cabinet food is delish! They also have smoothies and milkshakes if you’re that way inclined, plus great coffee (get a takeaway with a muffin for a pick-me-up morning tea). Find them tucked away above The Body Shop on Lambton Quay.

Lamason’s cheese scones are probably the best you’ll find in Wellington, and an excellent accompaniment to their delicious Peoples Coffee.

You’d never even know it was there, if reviewers and your cool mates weren’t raving about it. Created by the brains behind Capitol, WBC is a tasty, swanky bistro with a big snack menu, awesome bruschetta (try the beetroot one), lots of seafood and live oyster shucking. There’s also a huge range of daily specials, including cocktails. Such a cool place for a dinner out with friends.

Two words - Gingerbread pancakes! Who knew they existed, but you won’t be able to think of anything else once you’ve tried them.

On a lazy Sunday morning, I love stuffing my face with Sweet Mother’s enormous breakfast burrito.

Fries? Hardly. More like potato bricks. The chips from the Mount Vic Chippery are divine. The fresh spuds are thick handcut beauties which are lovingly fried so they’re crisp and delish. Oh and try the kumara chips, the best in town.

This innocuous little diner down Bond Street is one of Wellington’s gems. The Fisherman’s Plate serves up some of the best chips in Wellington as well as a selection of amazing fresh Vietnamese dishes. All amazing.

Fat hand cut chips and an array of seafood make the fish and chip shop on Aro Street an institution. My fave is the chips. Can’t beat ‘em.