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

Big Dreams at Blue Duck

As their kids grow up, wild and free amidst the lush native bush of Ruapēhu at Blue Duck Station, Sandy and Dan welcome visitors to experience their piece of paradise.

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Making Life Happen

After a life that has included solo parenting, learning how to shepherd and weathering the sudden loss of her husband, it is by acting on this maxim that Connie has ended up in her happy place amidst her menagerie of animals.

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Belonging at Bendigo

Watching her parents – merino industry pioneers Heather and John Perriam – always strive to step out of the box and do business differently has shaped and inspired Christina Grant.

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Taumarunui

Juanita Duncan, of Ngāti Uenuku, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāpuhi, works at Taumarunui High School – the same high school she attended as a teenager. Juanita believes the small town in the central North Island is a hidden gem in Aotearoa.

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The Ebb and Flow

Now a professor in marine science and aquaculture, Kura looks at innovative ways to restore Te Wahapū o Waihī – the Waihī Estuary – in Te Moana-a-Toi Bay of Plenty and ensure its kai moana can thrive for generations to come.

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Stratford

Megan Denz lives on a seven acre farm with her partner and six cows, a cat and Louis the rescue dog, where she balances a creative life as a curator with thrifting amongst the op-shops of South Taranaki.

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

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