Home / Journal
Journal
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.
Knitting Yourself Together
The small Southland township of Manapōuri – population around 200 – has an unusual claim to fame: it has possibly the most bookshops per capita in Aotearoa, thanks to Ruth Shaw and her husband, Lance.
From Cows to Cabernet
Karen McLeod was raised on a dairy farm, and it was to dairy that she returned sixteen years ago. But viticulture has always been her passion.
A Cosy Spot
It’s a picturesque, sheltered cove with a wee fishing village that’s popular in the summer for swimming and holidaymaking, featuring views across the water towards Cathedral Rock and, further in the distance, Rakiura Stewart Island.
Esther Kidd
The twenty-five-year veteran and Leading Charge Hand with Spain and Smith Shearing Contractors lays out what it takes to get through a day, and what keeps her going.
Sticky Lamb Spare Ribs
I like to use the lesser-used cuts of meat when possible. They are often cheaper, and if attached to the bone (like these spare ribs) they have so much flavour.
A Movement in the Māra
Bry Kopu, 51, and Te Raumahora Hema, 39, find synergy in their love for te taiao, and for their tūrangawaewae – Ngāmotu New Plymouth.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.