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Her Words

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.

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.

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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.

Here for the Long Run

Disheartened by a declining wool industry, Meredith Carpenter decided to take matters into her own hands, turning their Romney lambswool into products wholly made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sheree and Sparkles

Beyond the Textbook

Over a career spanning more than three decades, the veterinary nutritionist at PGG Wrightson Seeds has always been a passionate educator. Now, Caroline Westwood shares her knowledge through her Facebook page and podcast, The Rumen Room.

Community Driven

Selfless service runs in the family for daffodil farmer and Ellesmere Community Care Organisation chairperson June McLachlan, 53. It’s something this dairy farmer’s daughter learnt from her mother and is keen to pass on to a new generation of community carers.

Alison Shaw

Alison Shaw, 59, made her way from Waitaha Canterbury to working on a property in the Australian outback to heading up Tambo Teddies in Western Queensland. These adorable teddies are made with New Zealand and Australian sheepskin.