Franziska grew up in Germany, where bread is more than just food — it’s part of the country’s cultural heritage. For her, a good loaf is a daily reminder that the simplest things can bring the deepest joy. With just water, flour, and salt, and the ancient magic of fermentation, something truly extraordinary can be created.

When Franziska and her family of six moved to New Zealand, she found herself longing for the honest, crusty loaves of home. Her kitchen soon turned into a sourdough laboratory, filled with experiments, laughter, and the comforting smell of fresh bread. Before long, their big family table became a gathering place for friends and neighbours, all returning for “just one more slice.”

Today, Franziska is the owner of Bumblebee Bakery in New Plymouth, where she continues to share her love of traditional German bread, bringing a taste of home to her new community — one loaf at a time.

Jeanne was born in Madagascar. She arrived in France when she was 4, grew up in the South, then lived in Grenoble and Lyon on her own before travelling to New Zealand for a planned 12 month holiday in 2018. Life decided otherwise though, as 6 months after arriving, Jeanne met a special someone in New Plymouth who is now her husband. Almost 8 years later, Jeanne is now a permanent resident and loves living in Taranaki.

Jeanne is now starting her own business, Éternel by J.T (handcrafted paper flowers) and aside, she teaches French at Lingua (languages school). Jeanne loves the fashion industry, the arts, cooking (of course), gardening (a lot) and travelling with her husband across the globe.

Alina and Clarisa discussing about how it is to live in NZ.

In this episode, Brendan talks about making yourself at home before birth and explores the importance of the baby’s early connection — how feeling at home begins in the womb and shapes the way we come into the world. His deep understanding of early life experiences and trauma integration has made him a highly respected practitioner and educator across Australia and New Zealand. Brendan Pittwood brings decades of experience in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Prenatal and Birth Therapy, and Remedial Body Therapy. Deeply committed to supporting individuals on their healing journeys, he combines profound skill with a gentle, embodied presence.

Lucia is from Argentina and moved to New Zealand in 2018 searching for a new life adventure. She first arrived in Christchurch, where she already knew someone. In 2020, she moved up to New Plymouth because she got a job there, and as soon as she arrived, she met Kyle, her partner.

She is originally an Architect Designer and a Project Manager, and that is what she had been doing for work until she had her son. Since having her son Koa, who is almost 2 years old, she has been staying home with him. Raising him and seeing him grow is their main priority these days.

Lucia has also started a little project where she shares her experiences, learnings, and reflections on motherhood. She writes on Substack and briefly shares these writings on an Instagram page called Creciendo con Luli (Growing with Luli).

In addition, Lucia and her partner run a design and screenprinting studio where they have been collaborating with like-minded businesses, creating fun and special designs for each of them. When she says “they,” it is actually Kyle who is the artist and Lucia who helps out with coordination and paperwork!

Amelie Moncel is a Mindset and Identity Coach for working mums who want to feel like themselves again, confident, guilt-free, and unapologetic.

Originally from France, she now lives near Stratford, on a lifestyle block with her husband, two boys, dog and chicken. Drawing on her own experience as a mum living abroad and her professional background in HR, communication, and coaching, she helps women navigate the complexity of motherhood, career, and identity.

Her holistic approach combines mindset coaching, career clarity, and identity work to create lasting change, not a return to “normal,” but a redesign of life and career that truly fits who her clients are now.

With a coaching style that is empathetic, honest, and practical, Amelie provides space to release pressure, gain clarity, and build a future that honours both ambition and wellbeing.

She supports women ready to move beyond “fine” and create a life that feels good from the inside out.

Brigitte is originally from Romania and arrived in NZ 26 years ago. Lived in Auckland and 8 years ago moved to Taranaki. She is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, published author of 4 books, an animal lover and a very spiritual being. In her spare time, she likes to make music and paint.

In this 1 hour show you'll meet some of the beautiful people who make up Taranaki's vibrant international community.

Meet Fabian — 48, proud dad of 5, originally from Germany and now calling NZ home. From law degrees to lifeguarding and managing Fulton Swim School, he’s passionate about the ocean, travel, food, and living life to the fullest.

Bronwyn is a fourth-generation New Zealander of European descent, Tangata Tiriti, born and raised in Whanganui. She trained as a nurse at Taranaki Polytech in the 1980s, with her first role at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in the USA. Later, she worked as a Health and Disability Advocate and explored her passions in visual arts, costuming, singing, and dance. Now living on a lifestyle property in Taranaki under the gaze of the maunga, Bronwyn grows flowers and herbs and is part of the Performing Arts Collective. Taranaki, Ngāmotu/New Plymouth is her home, and she doesn’t plan on ever leaving.