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.

From Fleece to Flok

Using the wool grown on her farm and a little-known finishing process, Nicola Wylie created the Lora & Flok bedding range in September 2023.

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In Fields of Clover

A shared love of outdoor adventures, along with a little help from family, brought Ella Stokes and Morgan Hunt together. The pair wanted an authentic and relaxed wedding weekend, with plenty of time to spend with their guests.

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Saddle Up

Inspired by cowboy culture and eucalypts, Shepherdess shot this beautiful collection of H&S Heritage dress shirts amongst the stables.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

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