A Q&A on self-sufficiency, creativity and finding joy in the everyday.

On a lifestyle block in Lauder, Central Otago, Gillian Swinton and her partner Hamish have created a self-sufficient haven, where daily life revolves around growing, preserving and living closely with the land. A Scottish-born Kiwi with a career that has spanned DOC, veterinary work and now full-time freelance digital marketing, Gillian is as comfortable behind a laptop as she is rearing calves or tending her thriving garden. Earlier this year she released her first book, The Good Life — a practical guide to living off the land — inspired by the very rhythms of her own homestead. Grounded, creative and deeply committed to both community and place, Gillian is carving out a life where values and daily practice align beautifully.

Q — Gill, you and Hamish have created a self-sufficient haven on your property in Lauder. Can you tell us what daily life looks like on the homestead right now — what’s growing, what are you preserving and what projects you’re most excited about?

A — We are coming into spring just now, so we are starting to get excited about longer days again. I have enjoyed the slowness of winter, but I am looking forward to being back outside again. We have just finished processing and packing our lamb, so really happy to have our meat sorted for the year ahead. I have also been processing the fat into tallow, we can use this in our cooking, candles and soaps.

Daily life just now is getting our brooders ready for some new chicks coming soon, getting the garden tidied up ahead of planting — as well as work and keeping all the animals fed and watered! I have been enjoying listening to audio books, so you will often find me out doing farm jobs with an earbud in listening to something.

I recently took a Learn to Hunt course this winter with Alice from Mount Campbell Station, and I am really excited about developing that skill further this year. I have been working on my fitness and skills to make the most of the hills this summer.

Q — You’ve worked across so many rural roles — from ski fields to DOC, from vet technician to marketing. How have those experiences shaped your perspective on hard work, resilience and creativity?

A — All of these jobs needed some creative thinking and I think people can forget that a lot of practical work is another form of being creative. Problem solving, coming up with new ideas, it really feeds my brain. I come from a long line of women who worked the land, carers, nurses and teachers — I think I have always seen women working hard to achieve their goals so it is in my blood to be doing what I do.

It is a bit cliché, but I really think life is too short to not be doing what you love. Never a day goes by that I can’t believe my luck to have my own wee farm and a partner who has the same dream. Last weekend we worked out in the garden together, and although it can be hard work, it is what fills my cup and makes me a better person on Monday. Hard work isn’t necessarily a bad thing when you are working towards your goals.

Q — Last year you made the leap to go full-time freelance with digital marketing. Looking back now, what gave you the courage to take that step and what has it allowed you to build — both in your work and lifestyle?

A — It was a hard time, I was in the middle of writing my book and I was really needing flexibility that I couldn’t get from working a traditional job. I gave myself until the spring as I knew I had calf rearing to fall back on with income so I did have a security net. I realise now there really is never a good time to do anything, the only thing I wish was that I did it sooner. I definitely work more now, such is the pay-off with being a sole-trader, but it has given me the flexibility I need to run the farm at the same time.

I try and keep steady hours, but there have been a few late nights fixing websites, launching campaigns and constantly battling with my screen time. I have met some incredible people along the way, I would recommend anyone thinking about it to give themselves the push to start now.

Q — Earlier this year you launched your book The Good Life, a practical guide to living off the land. What inspired you to write it and what do you hope readers take away from its pages?

A — I have always shared knowledge (and mistakes) and our skills online, as well as with neighbours and friends — this seemed like a great continuation of that. Never in a million years did I ever think I would get a book deal, I started with a self-published ebook and it all just snowballed into this beautiful thing.

I think online people see a lot of curated stories, and I just wanted to take the polish off that and show that you don’t have to be doing things perfectly, you don’t have to know everything or even own land — you just have to give it a try. We have lived in farm accommodation, on stations, in rentals and shared housing — and it was in those spaces that we learned the skills we have now. I wanted to share an authentic way of living off the land.

Q — Your freelance work supports small rural businesses and individuals. What do you find most rewarding about helping those communities share their stories and grow?

A — Many people start their business with an idea, and most of them didn’t start their business with the goal of having to wear as many hats as they have to. I come in to help the pressure off these small businesses as they need it. Seeing the relief come off their shoulders knowing they have someone in their corner managing one arm of their business is always great.

Q — Life on a lifestyle block comes with its own rhythm — growing food, raising animals, selling surplus at your roadside stall. What do you love most about living so closely connected to the land?

A — I love that we can stay at home for weeks and have enough food to keep us going, enough jobs to keep us busy and sleep well at night after a day of hard work. It is rewarding knowing where your food comes from, especially the work that goes into it to make it happen. One of my favourite things is being able to share it too, a neighbour dropped off some milk to us this week so I am looking at taking her down produce this week as a thank you — building a community is really special.

Q — You own two Davaar jerseys that you wear constantly, even air-cleaning them through frosts instead of washing. How does wool fit into your everyday lifestyle and the environment you live in?

A — One thing about me is I love a low-maintenance hack. We have so many demands on us here for jobs, work and the B&B: having things that make our life easier is essential. Wool is one of those things because I don’t wash them — and by wash them I mean they have never been in the washing machine. They get the odd spot wash if I spill something and air out in the frost or sunlight for a freshen up but that’s it. I think one of my jerseys is nearly three years old and still looks great. I know it will last me a lot longer if I wash it less!

Q — You host guests through your summer B&B. What’s special about opening your home and land to others and what do you hope visitors take away from the experience?

A — We really just want them to feel like they are having a proper rural New Zealand experience. So many people come from cities and they don’t realise how dark or how quiet it is here at night. Being able to share with them our produce and way of living is just a bonus — and a little more personal than staying at a hotel.

Q — You’re also deeply outdoorsy — hiking, four-wheel driving, skiing or adventuring with your dog Ruby. What role does time outside play in your wellbeing and sense of balance?

A — Outside time is rostered on to my calendar as I could quite easily sit at my desk and work all day — but going outside is so good for my mental health, especially as someone who works from home. The dogs get me outside every day, rain or shine and there has never been a walk that I regretted no matter what the weather.

We live in a really special part of the country, and as easy as it is for us to stay at home, we really try to get out exploring as much as we can. We have a list of activities we want to do each summer so we can just pack the truck and go (we even have a camping box set up so we can grab it last minute and head out!) As hard as it can be to get the motivation to head out, you never regret the time out exploring.

Q — Self-sufficiency often involves slowing down and doing things the long way — growing, preserving, caring for animals. In a world that often races ahead, how do you find stillness and joy in everyday tasks?

A — I love preserving food as you have to use your hands — I have found tasks that involve using your hands are really good at making you be present and slow down. It is a great hobby, as you can’t be on your phone and it fills the pantry up!

I mentioned before I love reading and listening to audio books. I often find myself looking for tasks that allow me to do those. While I am waiting for the pressure canner, I can enjoy my book. Or when I am weeding the strawberry patch, I can listen to a book. It is like a meditation for me.

Q — What inspires you most right now — whether it’s people, books, landscapes or ways of living?

A — I always love following people in the Northern Hemisphere on social media as they are in the opposite season pattern. This is great in winter when I can see them doing all the fun summer gardening and preserving. It feels like a light at the end of the tunnel on the cold winter days!

This winter I have gone back to my recipe books too, trying new recipes for meal ideas. I do love cooking but it can get monotonous so trying new recipes from all the wonderful books on my shelf has been an easy way to get inspired.

Q — Looking ahead, what are the values you and Hamish want to keep at the heart of your homesteading journey and freelance career?

A — We are constantly trying to simplify it and make it easier. We do fall into really good rhythms working together, so I think just building on those. We also are reminding ourselves not to take it all too seriously and remembering to have fun. I think that is always at the heart of what we do — do it well, have fun and not take it too seriously.

Q — For others dreaming of building a more self-sufficient life, what advice would you share about getting started — and staying on course when it gets tough?

A — It can be as simple as looking at what your shopping trolley looks like and pick a few things you could grow this year which could save you money later. Always buying spuds? Grow some. Always buying garlic? Grow some! It isn’t too complicated and you only have to start with a few plants and go from there. I think people can get overwhelmed when they try to do everything and then end up giving up. Start small, we all did.

Q — Is there a small but meaningful object, tool or piece of clothing you always find yourself reaching for in daily life? What’s the story behind it?

A — I recently had my grandmother’s signet ring melted down. I had it for years and was too scared to wear it as it didn’t fit. She wore it every day and it didn’t feel right for it to not be worn. I had it melted down into a simple band and now it is my everyday ring. It is a simple ring, but made well and has a great story behind it. This intentional wearing of objects is something I really resonate with.

Gillian Swinton

@gillian.swinton
gillianswinton.com

Photography by Francine Boer

@francinephotomachine
francineboer.com