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.
Fully Woolly
Through their business, Wilson & Dorset, Amanda Dorset and Ben Wilson are starting a quiet revolution to bring wool back into our homes, one sheepskin at a time. With a commitment to nature and to community, Amanda embraces the idea of perfectly imperfect to achieve their ambitions in business and in life.
Wild, Natural and Down to Earth
Fiona Read of Hāpuku Kitchen and Justine Schroder of Mt Fyffe Distillery share with Shepherdess a taste of Kaikōura and what visitors should savour.
Sweet Life at Bluff Station
Tessa Bryant never thought she’d find herself in the heavy, white folds of a bee suit. But she has found a sweet life among the hives at Bluff Station, a winding fifteen-kilometre drive inland from Kēkerengū, learning all about beekeeping and, in the process, realising she can give anything a go.
Full Bloom
Drive south-east from Whanganui on State Highway 3 during the summer months and you’ll soon spot hundreds of roses blooming in a paddock along the roadside – home to Matthews Roses.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.