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.
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.
Shepherd Dreams
Victoria Baker knew from a young age that she wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps. Although taking over the family farm wasn’t always on the cards, Victoria and her partner, Gregor Goble, are now continuing her parents’ legacy, shepherding a new generation.
All Aboard
We could smell the salt in the air when we set out to show Swanndri in its element – out in the elements.
Ranfurly
Amie Pont (Taranaki), 47, is deeply acquainted with the seasons of the Maniototo, traditionally known to Māori as Māniatoto, in Central Otago, having spent most of her life there. Not content merely to observe, she has contributed much to the fabric of the community over the years, from volunteering at the local Ranfurly radio station to establishing the local paper, Positively Māniatoto.
Forging a Path
Forging hot steel, wielding sharp blades, and working with half-tonne horses at close quarters is no easy feat, but for Hawke’s Bay farrier Blythe Cruickshank, 32, it’s just another day at the office.
Wairau Valley
Over twenty years ago, Angela Woolf, 55, her husband, Tony, and their eldest three children moved from Te Waiharakeke Blenheim to the nearby Wairau Valley, where their youngest was born. Angela, a writer, reflects on how historic buildings, like the Wairau Valley Tavern, shape and support their vibrant community.
Summer Lovin’
Summer florals made easy – perfect for picnics by the lake, a day at the races, or a barbecue with friends.
Katikati
Museums, as Paula Gaelic discovered, are not just places for sharing history but also for shaping a more inclusive future. As manager of the Western Bay Museum in Katikati, Paula, 61, a Pākehā woman, takes immense pride in working alongside Māori to guide the museum’s direction and foster deeper community connections.
Unchartered Waters
A sisterly nudge was what it took for Maegen Blom, 24, to apply for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award. Here, the young leader recalls her pathway to becoming the operations manager of her family’s business – Mills Bay Mussels – and the first from the aquaculture industry to win the award.
Bloomin’ Lovely
When you’re getting spring chores done in the garden, you want clothes that work as hard as you do – without sacrificing style.
Succession Planning
In our new business advice column, Shepherdess asks an expert to share her thoughts on a matter worth knowing about – this edition, we look at succession planning.
Milk Matriarch
Rosie Cartwright is no stranger to hard work. The quietly spoken mother of four and grandmother of seven – soon to be eight – is up at the crack of dawn each day to milk a 500-strong herd of Jersey cows.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.