Reflections on The Muster

Green and pink hues of paint going on the wall. The shine and feathers of the burlesque dancers. Spontaneous line dancing on the dance floor. Women in their beautiful floral dresses, paired with boots or heels.  

We did it. After three and a half years of planning, The Shepherdess Muster was held in the wee Te Tairāwhiti village of Mōtū, bringing wāhine from across Aotearoa together for a weekend of connections, inclusiveness, old friend catch-ups and the sharing of stories – on grief, gratitude, learning, entrepreneurship, sex, porn, menopause, and more. I didn’t really understand until the weekend was unfolding what a punt you took on us. No one really knew what to expect and still, so many of you jumped right in. To all of you – whatever way you were part of the inaugural Muster – thank you for believing in us. This week has been a flood of beautiful messages, support and kindness

In the few days since we got back to the farm, I’ve reflected on what I learnt from the weekend and from the three years leading up to it. Whilst it might look all roses - there were times when it was bloody hard, and it took every bit of grit and determination. When grant application after grant application came back with a no; when Cyclone Gabrielle swept through and last year’s event was cancelled three days out; when people couldn’t understand why they’d have to camp and it was way out of town. Even when something is hard, keep going.  

How wonderful it is to be surrounded by good people, in work and in life. I cannot thank enough Julia, Pippa, Christina and Arpége, and the volunteer Committee, who gave their mahi and hearts to this kaupapa. It doesn’t feel like work when you share the same values, and can have a laugh whilst you’re doing it. We all crashed in the Community House – cooking and sharing meals in the week leading up – chatting away making poached eggs at 6:30am. To the Mōtū community, mana whenua and the many volunteers who pitched in and made it happen, lending freezers, powerpoints, chairs, and paddocks. It literally takes a village.   

The weekend has given me confidence. To know that you get out what you put in. To stick to your guns, when you know in your gut something is right. To know that anything is possible – literally, anything you dream of. Ella, who farms up Tolaga Bay way with her husband and three kids, shared, “The Shepherdess Muster was nothing I expected and everything I needed. It was raw, relatable, empowering, a hell of a good laugh. Safe to say, I came home, hugged my babies very tight and committed myself to love more, laugh more, learn more and connect more.”  

If Ella’s words speak to how women felt when they got home, they give me the energy to get back into those nights burning the midnight oil, planning the next Muster. The hope is that we’ll be able to bring the event to Te Waipounamu South Island and make it a regular thing. If you think your little patch would be perfect for The Muster, sing out.  

Kristy

Glossary. Kaupapa, agenda, plan, programme. Mahi, work.