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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.
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.
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.
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.
Emma Dillon
Following stints working in Rakiura Stewart Island and the Coromandel, Emma Dillon now based in Aparima Riverton working for Ka Ora Telecare, where she is the attentive voice on the other end of the phone helping patients get the care they need.
Fry Bread
I make up double batches and set them out on the table with lashings of golden syrup, jam (of any description) and whipped cream, along with pots of tea and coffee.
Big Dreams at Blue Duck
As their kids grow up, wild and free amidst the lush native bush of Ruapēhu at Blue Duck Station, Sandy and Dan welcome visitors to experience their piece of paradise.
Herb and Mussel Fritters
My husband has been gathering mussels off Memory Rock on Medlands Beach, Aotea Great Barrier Island, for as many years as he can remember.
The Goud Life
For Jodie Goudswaard, to get from share milking to farm ownership in the rolling hills of the Waikato has been a fourteen-year journey – one made up of long-term strategic planning, juggling the daily grind and knowing when to take a break.
Running the Farm
Megan Grant, 36, always knew she would end up working on her family farm in Orton, South Canterbury. But when both her parents passed away in the space of six months, it was farm succession at speed.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.