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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.
Leeston
When English multi-instrumentalist and osteopath Alison Donley moved to Leeston two decades ago, it was in the town’s historic Brass Band Hall that she – like many before and since – found her new home.
Sheree and Sparkles
One of the perks of having a pet calf, lamb or goat was that we were excused from homework. So, instead of saying my times tables on repeat at the dinner table each night, this was replaced with feeding, brushing, leading and taking good care of my new friend.
Beyond the Textbook
Over a career spanning more than three decades, the veterinary nutritionist at PGG Wrightson Seeds has always been a passionate educator. Now, Caroline Westwood shares her knowledge through her Facebook page and podcast, The Rumen Room.
Home Is Where the Wairua Leads You
Growing up, I was really just surrounded by my grandparents and my mum, so in terms of family, all I remember was it being small and intimate. In a lot
Community Driven
Selfless service runs in the family for daffodil farmer and Ellesmere Community Care Organisation chairperson June McLachlan, 53. It’s something this dairy farmer’s daughter learnt from her mother and is keen to pass on to a new generation of community carers.
Michelle & Sarena
Sarena and Michelle share their experience of working with friends and family for the heritage woollen-wear company – one of the only remaining woollen apparel manufacturers in New Zealand – at the heart of Norsewood.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.