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.
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.
Wild for Flowers
Emilie Bean has spent the past four years growing her cut flower business – The Arrowtown Flower Company – and supplying local blooms around Kā-Muriwai Arrowtown. More than a luxury, they are a way for Emilie to create connection and mark special occasions through beauty.
Golden Days
Light layers for the lingering autumn sun and warmer ones for crisp mornings. Here we draw inspiration from autumn in Māniatoto Central Otago – russet hues from tussock and the muted tones of Clyde’s historic brick-lined streets.
Stronger Together
Meg Burden’s farm was one of many properties damaged and cut off during and in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Two years on, Meg reflects on the little and big things they did to get by, and how the strength of rural communities shines through.
Hard Yards
Workwear for women on the land. We showcase Betacraft’s new women’s summer range in its natural environment – on the farm.
Land Girl
From studying at Lincoln as a Land Girl during World War II to working on farms throughout Waitaha Canterbury, Jill MacKenzie looks back on a lifetime of connection to the land.
A Thirty Year Walk
The Tora Coastal Walk in the Wairarapa was one of the first multi-day, fully catered walks across private farmland in Aotearoa. Now in its thirtieth year, it was originally started by three neighbouring farming families, and is now run by Kiri Elworthy, daughter-in-law of Jane Elworthy, one of the founders.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.