With a baby girl due in September, compiling research for a Country Calendar story and building a “forever home” on their Otago farmlet about to start, Matt Chisholm is pinching himself.
After a well-documented struggle with depression and a yearning for the country life, the popular journalist is at long last in his happy place, negotiating his rural roots while keeping a foot in the television industry.
“I’m finally living both lives and that’s always what I’ve dreamed of doing,” beams Matt, 44, with “his shepherdess” wife Ellen, 37, sitting beside him during a chat with the Weekly.
“I can’t describe how rewarding it is for me, going out and doing what I call farming – but what other farmers might call mucking around. It does something for me. Even if it’s a freezing, wet, boggy day, I just love it. It fills my cup.
“I really enjoy waking up in the morning, which I didn’t used to, starting my day with an instant coffee and mucking around with my kids, before I go down to the land. I’m present and enjoying just being. Maybe I’ve finally figured out what happiness is all about.”
It’s a stark contrast to previous years where, filled with self-doubt about his abilities, Matt felt like an “imposter in the newsroom” and tried to compensate for it by over-working and being a perfectionist.
Whether it was filing stories for Seven Sharp, Fair Go and Sunday or hosting Survivor and Celebrity Treasure Island, behind the smiling face on our screens there was inner turmoil, sadness and burn-out.
By the end of 2018, he met his last work deadline and collapsed.
This story is from the August 16, 2021 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 16, 2021 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills