Home / Journal
Journal
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.
Growing at Home
Raewyn is straight-talking agricultural consultant worked with a team at AgFirst to rethink how farmers across Aotearoa can become more resilient in the face of a changing climate.
A Quick Study
Raised in Brisbane, Samantha Morgan shares the story of how she became a first-generation farmer on her ancestral land in Hauraki, and what returning to the classroom means to her and her whānau.
Stratford
Megan Denz lives on a seven acre farm with her partner and six cows, a cat and Louis the rescue dog, where she balances a creative life as a curator with thrifting amongst the op-shops of South Taranaki.
The Gallery, Ngahuru Autumn 2024
Winging It, by Ahuriri Napier-based femmage artist and secondary-school teacher Ashton Lexie Jamieson, mixed media collage, 42cmx 42cm.
Marrying Agriculture and Art
Laura believes art can lead the agricultural sector into robust but nuanced conversations – helping people tackle sensitive subjects and bridge the gap between agriculture and the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pihikete Pata Me Te Paramu | Plum Melting Moments
These rich, buttery melting moments totally live up to their name. Lemon and freeze-dried plum add zingy flavour, while melted white chocolate and rose petals make sure they look as good as they taste.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.