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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.
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.
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.
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.
Sāmoan Paifala Pineapple Pie
“A favourite Sāmoan treat for special occasions, or even just for afternoon tea.” – Amy Kamo.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.