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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 Thirty Year Walk
The Tora Coastal Walk in the Wairarapa was one of the first multi-day, fully catered walks across private farmland in Aotearoa. Now in its thirtieth year, it was originally started by three neighbouring farming families, and is now run by Kiri Elworthy, daughter-in-law of Jane Elworthy, one of the founders.
Moments, Summer 2024/25
It represents something quite personal to me – how early my love of photography developed, and how useful this has been for me over my life. Seeing this come alive in another young person was pretty moving.
The Gallery, Raumati Summer Edition 2024/25
Still Waters, Kāwhia Harbour, oil on canvas, 1/28, 1927-1928, by Edith Collier.
Here for the Long Run
Disheartened by a declining wool industry, Meredith Carpenter decided to take matters into her own hands, turning their Romney lambswool into products wholly made in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Betting on Love
Atop a hill overlooking the rich and rugged terrains of Bendigo Station, Māniatoto Central Otago and beyond, Brenna Johnston and Patrick Heaney stood before their closest family and friends and said, “I do.”
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.