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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.
“I created Honest Wolf to try to build a place for myself within the larger family business.”
Sophie Hurley, 33, has created a growing business for luxury felted-wool bags using wool from the third generation family farm.
“We put our soul into each creation.”
Emma Hasler, 34, is the founder of Botanic Press, a wedding bouquet preservation service based in Wānaka.
Championing the rural sector every step of the way
Rebecca Greaves, 38, is a rural journalist based in Pongaroa. She is a tireless champion of rural communities.
“The Region-off is so great because it allows kids to get a foot in the door”
This year, Emma Poole, 28, became the first woman to win the prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year Competition in its fifty-five-year history.
Soil Studies
Caring for the land and the environment starts with caring for the soil. That’s the ethos behind Rere ki Uta Rere ki Tai.
“I had to innovate or die.”
Laura Koot, 36, founded agritourism business Real Country to share a taste of “real, rural New Zealand” with her guests.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.