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.

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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.

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All Aboard

We could smell the salt in the air when we set out to show Swanndri in its element – out in the elements.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Judy Waterson

Nicol’s Blacksmith Shop, Duntroon

drone view of Lake Hāwea

Love in the Back Blocks

A future husband was the last thing Jaimee Coulter expected to find when she was doing her rounds as a fertiliser rep.

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Partially woven flax

Weaving with Aroha

Based in the Wairarapa, Manaia Carswell is a māmā, a wahine of Ngapuhi and Ngāti Hine descent, and a weaver.

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The Hayes family in front of their home

Where The Sun Shines

Liz and Andy Hayes count themselves lucky to call Hakataramea Valley home.

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Trudy Hales

Trudy farms at Weber, half an hour from Dannevirke, with her husband Simon and boys Rocky and Alby. Here is Trudy’s story, in her own words.

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Painting

Light on the Land

This Nelson-based artist finds herself in a very sweet spot, rendering on canvas, the rustic landscapes and sun-faded palettes of the town she grew up in and adores.

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Anna and wine silos

Anna Flowerday

Te Whare Rā is a little vineyard with a big heart.

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

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