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Hearts Racing
A shared passion for horse racing brought Jessica Murphy, known as Jess, and Marc Hamilton together, so when the couple exchanged vows on a bluebird autumn day in Central Otago, it made sense for Jess’s Appaloosa gelding, Micah, to take a starring role.
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.
Still Here
Her father’s influence and a deep love for animals inspired her to become a shepherd, but it’s not been an easy road for Wairarapa-based Lara Smith, 29. Here, she shares how her persistence has paid off.
Dusting off the Silks
For over 150 years, the Chatham Islands Jockey Club has been woven into the fabric of island life. For club treasurer, harness driver and trainer Monique Croon (Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri), 59, that connection runs deep through six generations of her whānau. Here, Monique and other women involved in the races reflect on the club’s history and significance to the community.
Grace & Ruby
When their two Murihiku Southland rugby clubs merged for the 2025 season to form a new team, Tū Kotahi Wahine, Grace Duthie (Ngāi Tahu), 20, and Ruby Laidlaw, 22, went from being rivals to teammates. We caught up with them last year, and asked about the change.
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.
Finding The Strength
Shepherdess recently visited Mātāwai sheep and beef farmer Jenny Sandford, 40, for our new podcast, Far From Town, made in collaboration with RNZ. Here is some of her conversation with podcast host Arpége Taratoa-Rangikura.
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.
A Way with Words
More than just a festival, a Booktown is a town that has forged its identity around books. Intrigued, Kristy recently spoke to Mary, who has been Featherston Booktown’s operations manager for the past seven years, to find out more about the impact the initiative has had on the small South Wairarapa community.
Lamb Curry
“A curry full of big flavours! I always serve this with homemade naan. The kids absolutely love it!” – Gigi Tuanui.
Carol & Marlene
Carol Pollard, 81, and Marlene Ingram, 85, never expected volunteering at the Kaikōura Community Op Shop to turn into a nearly ten-year adventure, raising over a million dollars for their community.
Wild for Flowers
Emilie Bean has spent the past four years growing her cut flower business – The Arrowtown Flower Company – and supplying local blooms around Kā-Muriwai Arrowtown. More than a luxury, they are a way for Emilie to create connection and mark special occasions through beauty.
Opening the gate – a new way into farming
Sarah How, 33, is the co-founder and general manager of Landify, a platform which connects farmers with potential partners and investors to explore collaborative opportunities in farming. Sarah was a finalist for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award. She shares with us how a ‘cupboard of an office’, a bold idea, and a lot of grit sparked a new way into farming.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.