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Caramel Walnut Slice
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Living a Legacy
From the cattle yards of Kenhardt Angus in Nūhaka, northern Hawke’s Bay, to university in Waitaha Canterbury and Colorado, and now a trans-Tasman role at Angus Australia, Nancy uses her international perspective to inspire the next generation.
Alison Shaw
Alison Shaw, 59, made her way from Waitaha Canterbury to working on a property in the Australian outback to heading up Tambo Teddies in Western Queensland. These adorable teddies are made with New Zealand and Australian sheepskin.
The Gallery, Kōanga Spring Edition 2024
Just Out the Gate, acrylic on canvas, 1.6m x 800cm, 2023, by Pāhiatua artist and physiotherapist Lindy McLachlan.
Going All In
Dairy farmer Marianne Tye, 39, knows the importance of setting goals and planning. She and her husband, Will, had a long road to farm ownership – a journey that led them to Te Tai Tokerau Northland nearly ten years ago.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.