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Matariki mā Puanga

Takurua is a significant period for tangata whenua. It’s when Matariki mā Puanga, the Māori New Year, approaches, and it’s therefore particularly timely to celebrate tangata whenua and their experiences.

Matariki mā Puanga, which occurs between late June and early July, is the rising of a set of stars that traditionally guided Māori with harvesting. The Māori New Year is informed by the traditional lunar calendar, also known as the maramataka, and has provided whānau in the past, and still does, with the tools to know when to harvest, and how to prepare for the year ahead.

Like the constellations, in our day-to-day lives we often cluster together around points of commonality – our families, clubs, workplaces, hometowns or shared cultures. Whilst we all find valuable connection in shared experiences, at Shepherdess we strive to create a space where wāhine around the motu can share their individual journeys with others and have a moment to shine.

We created this page to act as a space for our indigenous stories, and each Matariki mā Puanga we will update this to revisit stories from over the past year.

Wool-handler Esther Kidd throws a fleece during shearing

Dusting off the Silks

For over 150 years, the Chatham Islands Jockey Club has been woven into the fabric of island life. For club treasurer, harness driver and trainer Monique Croon (Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri), 59, that connection runs deep through six generations of her whānau. Here, Monique and other women involved in the races reflect on the club’s history and significance to the community.

Grace & Ruby

When their two Murihiku Southland rugby clubs merged for the 2025 season to form a new team, Tū Kotahi Wahine, Grace Duthie (Ngāi Tahu), 20, and Ruby Laidlaw, 22, went from being rivals to teammates. We caught up with them last year, and asked about the change.

Hopelessly Devoted

Arpége Taratoa, now 32, and Knox Enoka, now 31, were initially caught off guard by their feelings for one another. But with help from some heart-shaped candy, they went from love to marriage, continuing to surprise each other along the way.

Where They Want to Be

Kali Rangiawha (Tainui) is not afraid of hard work. From contract milking on her own – with a baby in tow – to juggling farming and parenting with her partner, Will Hinton, her goal now is one of balance, and building the best possible life for her whānau.

Free 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.

Sue 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.”

Mairangi sits in front of her marae, Onetahua.

Takakau – Flat Bread

Every culture has their own version of a flat bread, usually served to scoop up curries and soups, or to wrap slow-cooked meat topped with fresh salad and sauces.

Jessica & Courtney

Jessica Chamberlain and her sister Courtney (Ngāi Tahu) are the sixth generation of their family at Hadstock Farm in Selwyn and the third generation to have attended St Margaret’s College in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

Umu Pulled Pork with Orange and Garlic

Cooking the pork with freshly squeezed orange juice makes for melt-in your-mouth succulent, tender meat. Of course, this doesn’t have to be cooked underground – it’s just as delicious cooked in the oven.

The Road Home

For Tracey Perkins (Ngāpuhi, Raukawa), cultural identity has been a lifelong journey. There is so much loss behind stories of reconnection, but for Tracey and her family, getting through the tough years has landed them in the best days of their lives so far.

Home Is Where the Wairua Leads You

Growing up, I was really just surrounded by my grandparents and my mum, so in terms of family, all I remember was it being small and intimate. In a lot

Michelle & Sarena

Sarena and Michelle share their experience of working with friends and family for the heritage woollen-wear company – one of the only remaining woollen apparel manufacturers in New Zealand – at the heart of Norsewood.