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.

A plate of savoury herb shortbread with a sage leaf on top of each

Savoury Herb Shortbread

These are ridiculously moreish. They make a nice change from a sweet biscuit in the afternoon, and are great at aperitivo time!

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Black and white image of a shirtless boy on top of a washing line that is being spun around by his sister, blurred, in motion

Moments, Kōanga Spring 2023

I have always loved this picture. To be honest, I have no idea why Anton, 9, was up on top of the washing line, or how on earth he got up there.

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Woman models a checkered dress in front of a heritage house

Frolic Frocks

As the weather shifts and the sun warms cool skin, our clothes reflect the optimism in the air – light, colourful garments in cotton and linen that raise the spirits.

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Renee plays with her two young children on the footpath.

A Peaceful Place

From her home in Geraldine, Renee (Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu) reflects on how her upbringing has influenced how she is committed to raising her two children with gentleness.

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Woman stands in a farm paddock

“My job is helping out the farmers where I can”

Belinda has balanced her dynamic career with raising four children as a widow, drawing on her own dairy farming experience to build connections with customers.

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A filo pastry tart with asparagus and other green vegetables, on a wooden board on a table

All the Greens Ricotta Tart

Sometimes the garden gives a little bit of many things – this is a good way to turn it all into a delicious dish.

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

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