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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.
“I’ve found the farmers always have the answers”
Jessica and Cecelia are best friends and bull beef finishing specialists on Rangitaiki Station, a Pāmu farm, about fifty kilometres southeast of Taupō.
Adjusting to Alone
Michelle opens up about the feelings surrounding her solo Otago Central Rail Trail cycle trip and the scenery she documented along the way.
Māpiu
Kim lives with her husband David on his family farm in Māpiu, where she has planted roots and been enveloped by the town’s tight-knit community.
A Call Away
Long-time sheep and beef farmer Jen Le Pine, 50, fills her cup with volunteering in the Cheviot community.
Finding their Farm
Charlotte Plummer
Moving is never easy, least of all when you’re headed across the ocean to make a home in a new country. Meet Charlotte Plummer, balancing her veterinary career with farming in Morrinsville.
Becoming a Mother
When Eloise and her husband purchased virgin land near Whangārei Heads, they wanted to have a go at living in a yurt off-grid.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.