With over 40 years experience to share, it's safe to say that if you're tempted to start preserving but are unsure where or how to start, it'll be well worth taking a visit to Katherine's Kitchen. A no waste philosophy and a passion for sharing her skills and knowledge is what drives this year's Preserve Contest sponsor.

Taking out awards in the past two preserve contests, RCG’s friends at Recreate NZ love taking the opportunity to test out their preserve making skills on the judges and voting public. But what inspires them to preserve in the first place? And what’s the secret sauce to their great track record of success?

First responders and some amazingly brave souls got this city back on its feet. But for me, it was the baristas and a few musicians that restored the heart.