Posts by Robyn
Upping Sticks
Former Black Sticks player and Olympian Emily Gaddum, 39, shares what life looks like after hanging up her hockey sticks as a professional athlete to raise her family on a Central Hawke’s Bay farm.
Read MoreThe Sky’s the Limit
Aircraft maintenance engineer Debbie Garlick grew up tinkering with machines alongside her helicopter pilot dad in the small Southland town of Tuatapere. Encouraged by her family to pursue her aviation dreams, Debbie joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force at just seventeen and, from there, her career took off.
Read MoreShear Tradition
In this extract from Woolsheds, we take you inside the McNeil’s woolshed at Puketoro, a remote hill country station inland from Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast. This shed may be historic, but the shearing traditions and community are still thriving today.
Read MoreRose Shuttleworth
On the last page of Shepherdess, we celebrate memories and reminiscences. Here, from their home in Akaroa, Rose Shuttleworth, 78, reflects on over fifty years of marriage to her husband, Jan (Ngāi Tahu), 88, and what makes for an enduring partnership.
Read MoreFree to Roam
Raewyn “Tommi” Gregory-Hunt (Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri) grew up on Rangihaute Rangiauria Pitt Island, part of Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Islands, enjoying a childhood defined by rugged, open landscapes, self-reliance and the deep connections that come from being part of a community of forty people. Now, the islands’ sole stock agent is following in her father’s footsteps and raising her daughter, Mikayla, the same way that she was – free to roam.
Read MoreSue Deadman
Sue Deadman (Ngāti Apakura), 65, runs a largescale carrot-growing business in Ohakune along with her son Ricky. Her daughter-in-law Holly describes her as “the most hard-working and kind woman I know.”
Read MoreSpring Cleaning
Letter from the Editor, Kōanga Spring 2025 Edition.
Read MoreGreen Fingers at Greenhaugh
Ahead of this year’s Manawatū Garden Festival, we catch up with Lynne Atkins. She has spent close to fifty years creating Greenhaugh Gardens. Her story is rooted in hard work, a love of plants, and the joy of sharing her garden with others.
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