Home / Journal
Journal
Caramel Walnut Slice
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Telling a Great Story
Kate Taylor knows how to spot a good story and tell a great yarn. As a journalist and writer, she’s been telling stories about rural life for over thirty years. Now a trustee on the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, Kate accepted the FMG Rural Champion Award on behalf of the Trust at last year’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.
Rolling out the Carpet
Anna Campbell leads the hoiho recovery programme as general manager of Te Tautiaki Hoiho Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
Breaking the Drought
A torrential downpour could not dampen Phoebe James and Fraser Adams’ Waitaha Canterbury wedding – in fact, the breaking of a drought just added to the celebration for this farming couple and their guests.
The High Road
Winter weather makes for wrapping up warm. We took the high road to Kawarau The Remarkables for this photoshoot – a place where sheep wander and a woollen coat proves its worth.
Home Sweet Homestead
From childhood holidays on her grandparents’ farm in Scotland to her lifestyle block in Māniatoto Central Otago, Gillian Swinton has had a long journey into homesteading.
Moments in Wine
Albie always felt drawn to a career creating something tangible. Navigating the challenges and triumphs of winegrowing, Albie finds joy in crafting wines that reflect not just the land, but the essence of those who share in its creation.,
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.