Chat on the Chathams

Greer Paterson, 32, our resident columnist – and also a school teacher, fencing contractor, mum of two and much-loved Shepherdess team member – shares the special highlights and challenges of teaching in a place as remote as Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Islands.

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Still on the Station

Cath Ward (Ngāti Raukawa) found a new purpose for both herself and Pahi Station when she and her husband, Zander, established the Pahi Coastal Walk – a private walk that takes in the farm’s sweeping coastline, rolling farmland and native bush.

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Our Whare

Letter from the Editor, Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition.

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Leek & Cauliflower Cheese

“Cauliflower cheese is a classic family favourite, made even tastier with chunks of sweet and tender leeks and crunchy breadcrumbs. This is fab served with a roast or sausages, or it could easily be served as a vegetarian main dish with fresh crusty bread and a green salad.”

This is the third comforting recipe Olivia Galletly shared with us from her first cookbook, The Hungry Cook.

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Rustic Fruit Tart

“In my eyes, a seasonal fruit tart is hard to beat. This tart is the perfect way to use up any of the final sun-ripened autumn fruit.”

This is the first of three recipes Jaz Mathisen shared with us from her cookbook, A Year at Awakino Station.

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Turning up for Each Other

Kath Menpes, 48, a born and bred Southlander, grew up inland in Heddon Bush and now lives in Orepuki, a small coastal settlement, with her husband, Paul, and their two children, Jamie, 15, and Lizzy, 13, on Paul’s family’s third-generation sheep farm. Three years ago, she joined PGG Wrightson as the store manager at Tuatapere. Five times a week, she channels her commitment to staying active into community fitness sessions for local women, where it’s not just muscles that get strengthened.

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A Dream & Hard Graft

A way of life with a love of horses at its core, encompassed by a strong belief that horses can heal.

From Ballgowns to Gumboots

It was love at first dance for Molly Barker, who was swept off her feet by Simon Dalgliesh at a university ball. But it was back in their gumboots that this farming couple truly bonded.

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Loulou Ellingham

Loulou Ellingham, 38, launched Slowlife Collection in 2020 as a side hustle to her day job.

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Succession Planning

In our new business advice column, Shepherdess asks an expert to share her thoughts on a matter worth knowing about – this edition, we look at succession planning.

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Baking and Breaking Bread

Katherine Mitchell, a hunter, fisher, gardener, cook and charter boat business manager, is deeply passionate about understanding where food comes from and making the most of every bite.

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The Right Note

Cellist, composer and teacher Caitlin Morris, along with her husband, Andrew Atkins, a pianist, conductor and teacher, found Kahutara in the South Wairarapa to be the perfect place to call home

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Milk Matriarch

Rosie Cartwright is no stranger to hard work. The quietly spoken mother of four and grandmother of seven – soon to be eight – is up at the crack of dawn each day to milk a 500-strong herd of Jersey cows.

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

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