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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.
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.
Best Laid Plans
Emma might be slightly afraid of chickens, but that hasn’t stopped her from helping to build a paddock-to-plate delivery service, Local Food NZ, with the fresh eggs laid by their flock of free-range hens.
Milking Sheep in Italy
Genevieve Bennett of Waipukurau, Te Matau-a-Māui Central Hawke’s Bay wrote to us about her overseas experience for our latest edition Letter from the Flock.
The World of Kapa Haka
Melissa’s black-and-white documentary-style photographs draw you in to the world of kapa haka, unveiling the emotion and spirit that goes in to each of the performance’s artistic threads.
Peak Wool
Former army medic Anastasia Tristram knows the drill when it comes to farming sheep in her idyllic corner of Wanstead, Hawke’s Bay, but it’s her faith in the educational power of wool that’s taken Floating Peaks to new heights.
Making Life Happen
After a life that has included solo parenting, learning how to shepherd and weathering the sudden loss of her husband, it is by acting on this maxim that Connie has ended up in her happy place amidst her menagerie of animals.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.