Generations of Care
Robyn Stephens, a Te Rohe Pōtae King Country farmer and grandmother of nine, took up dog trials at the age of fifty-nine, following in her father’s footsteps, and at seventy-six is still working as a casual musterer. Here, she reflects on her connection to the past and how her whānau Māori has influenced her.
Still Here
Her father’s influence and a deep love for animals inspired her to become a shepherd, but it’s not been an easy road for Wairarapa-based Lara Smith, 29. Here, she shares how her persistence has paid off.
Finding The Strength
Shepherdess recently visited Mātāwai sheep and beef farmer Jenny Sandford, 40, for our new podcast, Far From Town, made in collaboration with RNZ. Here is some of her conversation with podcast host Arpége Taratoa-Rangikura.
Chat on the Chathams
Greer Paterson, 32, our resident columnist – and also a school teacher, fencing contractor, mum of two and much-loved Shepherdess team member – shares the special highlights and challenges of teaching in a place as remote as Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Islands.
Catherine Chidgey
Catherine Chidgey, 55, is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed contemporary writers. She’s running a workshop, Writing the Child, at this year’s Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival.
Abby France, FMG
Abby France, 38, is a client advice manager at FMG and a mum to two young girls, Harriet, 6, and Pip, 3. She is also a sheep farmer and co-owns an events company. From her home in Heratini Geraldine, Abby helps clients plan for the future – and throws a country fete or two to give them an excuse to get off farm and connect.
Creative at Heart
Amy Burke, 41, of Te Mamaku Ruby Bay, near Motueka, created Botanical Skincare, whose roots stretch back to her childhood – playing in her grandmother’s sprawling botanical garden and soaking up knowledge of plants and their properties. Here, the 2024 winner of Rural Women New Zealand’s Creative at Heart award takes us through a day of blending product-making with running a business and raising a family.
A Dream & Hard Graft
A way of life with a love of horses at its core, encompassed by a strong belief that horses can heal.
Green 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.
Chat on the Chathams
Rugged and remote; a far-flung outpost; a step back in time; like New Zealand, only different – Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Islands have been described in many different ways. Greer Paterson, 32, calls the Islands “home.” Here, in her new column, Greer shares what life there is like when you crave a sweet treat.
Loulou Ellingham
Loulou Ellingham, 38, launched Slowlife Collection in 2020 as a side hustle to her day job.
The Right Note
Cellist, composer and teacher Caitlin Morris, along with her husband, Andrew Atkins, a pianist, conductor and teacher, found Kahutara in the South Wairarapa to be the perfect place to call home
Kijiana Pene
For our Winter 2025 Edition, we wanted to hear about a memorable birthday and Kijiana Pene shared her wonderful story.
Jessie Tombleson
Jessie Tombleson co-owner of Cameron Jewellery in Te Papaioea Palmerston North, grew up in her parents’ workshop and is committed to continuing their almost forty year legacy of manufacturing and selling the highest quality jewellery.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.