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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.
Still on the Station
Cath Ward (Ngāti Raukawa) found a new purpose for both herself and Pahi Station when she and her husband, Zander, established the Pahi Coastal Walk – a private walk that takes in the farm’s sweeping coastline, rolling farmland and native bush.
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.”
A Hokianga home bursting at the seams with aroha, art, taonga and whānau connections
Writer Claire Kaahu White and her husband have created a home in Hokianga that celebrates their shared values and the many people and places that have influenced their lives.
Te Mana o te Wai
The mahi of Tina Porou supports the way to a more resilient future of freshwater management in Aotearoa.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.