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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.

Feature Post v2 Matariki Provincial Life

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.

Her Words

Our Whare

Letter from the Editor, Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition.

Recipes

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.

Recipes

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.

Community

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.

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Her Words

Alesha Tomasi

For our Autumn 2025 Edition, we wanted to hear about a special four-legged friend. For Winter 2025, we’d like to know which of your birthdays stands out to you. Let us know how you celebrated and what made it so
memorable! Letters may be edited for length or clarity.

Feature Post v2 Weddings

Backyard Bash

Sophie Chambers and Matthew Brown had a very modern courtship. And what began as a Facebook friendship culminated in a glamorous backyard bash on his family’s flower farm.

Community

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.

Community

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.

Matariki

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.

Her Words

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.