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.
Emma Dillon
Following stints working in Rakiura Stewart Island and the Coromandel, Emma Dillon now based in Aparima Riverton working for Ka Ora Telecare, where she is the attentive voice on the other end of the phone helping patients get the care they need.
The Goud Life
For Jodie Goudswaard, to get from share milking to farm ownership in the rolling hills of the Waikato has been a fourteen-year journey – one made up of long-term strategic planning, juggling the daily grind and knowing when to take a break.
Running the Farm
Megan Grant, 36, always knew she would end up working on her family farm in Orton, South Canterbury. But when both her parents passed away in the space of six months, it was farm succession at speed.
Best Laid Plans
Emma might be slightly afraid of chickens, but that hasn’t stopped her from helping to build a paddock-to-plate delivery service, Local Food NZ, with the fresh eggs laid by their flock of free-range hens.
Milking Sheep in Italy
Genevieve Bennett of Waipukurau, Te Matau-a-Māui Central Hawke’s Bay wrote to us about her overseas experience for our latest edition Letter from the Flock.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.