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.
Rolling out the Carpet
Anna Campbell leads the hoiho recovery programme as general manager of Te Tautiaki Hoiho Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
Home Sweet Homestead
From childhood holidays on her grandparents’ farm in Scotland to her lifestyle block in Māniatoto Central Otago, Gillian Swinton has had a long journey into homesteading.
Carol & Marlene
Carol Pollard, 81, and Marlene Ingram, 85, never expected volunteering at the Kaikōura Community Op Shop to turn into a nearly ten-year adventure, raising over a million dollars for their community.
Alesha Tomasi
For our Autumn 2025 Edition, we wanted to hear about a special four-legged friend. For Winter 2025, we’d like to know which of your birthdays stands out to you. Let us know how you celebrated and what made it so
memorable! Letters may be edited for length or clarity.
Louise Gibson
Louise Gibson and Myfanwy Alexander founded The Sharefarming Consultants because they realised the importance of communication and a team focussed approach to sharemilking and contract milking.
Regina Bernbeck
One of the perks of having a pet calf, lamb or goat was that we were excused from homework. So, instead of saying my times tables on repeat at the dinner table each night, this was replaced with feeding, brushing, leading and taking good care of my new friend.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.