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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.
Rekindling Home Fires
For Wikitoria Lewer (Ngāti Maniapoto), candle making is a personal journey of whānau, loss and reclamation. Through her candles, she honours her whakapapa and seeks to connect people to the past and enrich the present.
Towai
Jaycee Tipene-Thomas (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahungunu) has family roots spanning generations in Towai, traditionally known as Touwai, in Te Tai Tokerau Northland.
A Supreme Dream
Emma Tucker works for the law firm in her hometown, Te Waiharakeke Blenheim, that she always said she would.
Moments in Wine
Albie always felt drawn to a career creating something tangible. Navigating the challenges and triumphs of winegrowing, Albie finds joy in crafting wines that reflect not just the land, but the essence of those who share in its creation.,
Shear Strength
Catherine Mullooly (Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Ngāti Kahungunu), mother of two and women’s shearing champion, has loved shearing from a young age.
Medicine at the Mill
A GP at the Kawerau and Tokoroa timber mills, Dr. Sarah Gardiner, took over the in-house clinic when it was about to close. Sarah (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Te Paatu) is also a mum of three tamariki and has since ventured into telehealth to bolster medical support for remote workers.
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.
Bringing people together with kai in the southernmost town in Aotearoa
Haylee-Chanel Simeon, 38, is the creative force behind restaurant Hayz @ The Anchorage, based in Bluff, Murihiku Southland.
Soil Studies
Caring for the land and the environment starts with caring for the soil. That’s the ethos behind Rere ki Uta Rere ki Tai.
Māpiu
Kim lives with her husband David on his family farm in Māpiu, where she has planted roots and been enveloped by the town’s tight-knit community.
A Peaceful Place
From her home in Geraldine, Renee (Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu) reflects on how her upbringing has influenced how she is committed to raising her two children with gentleness.
The Threads that Bind – Shona Tawhiao
It might not be the most traditional application of mahi raranga, but the work of toi Māori artist, Shona Tawhiao, is both visible and tangible, and that is exactly what has always driven her.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.