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.

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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.

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Our Whare

Letter from the Editor, Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Orange & Lemon Biscuits

These little biscuits look so unassuming, but inside is a world of delicious chewiness spiked with a hit of citrus.

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Full Bloom

Drive south-east from Whanganui on State Highway 3 during the summer months and you’ll soon spot hundreds of roses blooming in a paddock along the roadside – home to Matthews Roses.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

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