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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

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.

Mairangi sits in front of her marae, Onetahua.

Wisdom from the Skies

Heeni Hoterene transforms maramataka lunar calendar wisdom for modern contexts, so it resonates with an ever-evolving world.

Digital still image of rocks and water, part of an art exhibition

The Gallery, Takurua Winter 2023

“These photographs traverse stages of change that depict my creative mauri as an entity, and how my mauri was affected in environments that held trauma and potential.”

Fiona Collis on Reaching Beyond Her Local Patch

Fiona is a fibre and textiles artist using traditional knowledge and practices handed down by her ancestors to experiment with traditional Māori textiles.

Kara Boyes – Short Film

On a farm that has been in her family for a century is a delightful sanctuary where Kara Boyes, 31, practises mirimiri. After years overseas, traveling and exploring her interests in traditional healing, Kara felt the call to return to her home in Pahoia – and to the healing methods of her tūpuna. Here she talks to Shepherdess.

A soul’s calling – how traditional healing methods led a ‘wanderer’ home to her whenua

Nestled away on a farm that has been in her family for a century is a delightful sanctuary where Kara Boyes (Ngāpuhi, Tapuika, Ngāti Raukawa) practises mirimiri. After years overseas, traveling and exploring her interests in traditional healing, Kara, 41, felt the call to return to her home in Pahoia – and to the healing methods of her tūpuna.