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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.
Roast of the Town
Rosie Austin, 65, has worn many hats during a varied and illustrious career that now sees her turning a dab hand to artisanal coffee roasting in her beloved community of Whanganui.
A Growing Career
Hannah Greaves always envisioned a career in the primary sector. Although initially set on a career in farming, she realised dairy farming wasn’t for her and found herself pivoting to horticulture instead. Six years on, she’s not only helping growers and orchardists thrive in her role as a technical horticultural representative at Fruitfed Supplies, she’s also thriving herself.
Medicine at the Mill
A GP at the Kawerau and Tokoroa timber mills, Dr. Sarah Gardiner, took over the in-house clinic when it was about to close. Sarah (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Te Paatu) is also a mum of three tamariki and has since ventured into telehealth to bolster medical support for remote workers.
Louise Gibson
Louise Gibson and Myfanwy Alexander founded The Sharefarming Consultants because they realised the importance of communication and a team focussed approach to sharemilking and contract milking.
Takakau – Flat Bread
Every culture has their own version of a flat bread, usually served to scoop up curries and soups, or to wrap slow-cooked meat topped with fresh salad and sauces.
Warm Potato Salad with Double Cheese and Bacon
This dish is a definite crowd pleaser, and would sit very comfortably on a barbecue table beside steak and sausages.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.