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.

Woman and man stand with their horse and two farm dogs on a big grassy hill

The Richness of Lawrence

A day spent exploring Lawrence like a local, with a local, enjoying everything from historic landmarks and eclectic shops to serene retreats that will entice you to stay a while.

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1979 colour photo of a woman and her father at Millers Flat

Robin’s South Island

One of New Zealand’s most notable documentary photographers, Robin Morrison spent seven months in 1979 documenting his travels to the tiny towns and villages across the South Island.

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Dr Shannon Davis stands in an apple orchard, holding apples

The Peri-Urban Pantry

Dr Shannon Davis is examining how bringing farming back into local communities can make Aotearoa think differently about the edges of its cities.

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Man and woman outside old stone slate building

Jersey Chic

Since Kate Macdonald started completely made-in-New Zealand clothing brand Davaar & Co on her family’s Te Ānau station in 2022, it has become synonymous with timeless elegance and modern comfort.

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Woman stands in front of marae wearing mahi raranga

The Threads that Bind – Shona Tawhiao

It might not be the most traditional application of mahi raranga, but the work of toi Māori artist, Shona Tawhiao, is both visible and tangible, and that is exactly what has always driven her.

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Woman and puppy

Holly Thompson

Shepherdess caught up with Holly on Mounganui Station to learn more about how the curling competitor spends her days.

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Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

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