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Journal

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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Matariki

Umu Pulled Pork with Orange and Garlic

Cooking the pork with freshly squeezed orange juice makes for melt-in your-mouth succulent, tender meat. Of course, this doesn’t have to be cooked underground – it’s just as delicious cooked in the oven.

Feature Post v2 Matariki

The Road Home

For Tracey Perkins (Ngāpuhi, Raukawa), cultural identity has been a lifelong journey. There is so much loss behind stories of reconnection, but for Tracey and her family, getting through the tough years has landed them in the best days of their lives so far.

Feature Post v2 Provincial Life

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.