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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.
Sophie Barnes – Short Film
Living in an isolated spot on the Whanganui River – until she was in her late twenties, Sophie Barnes, 31, was told the symptoms she had experienced since she was twelve were caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Despite an accurate diagnosis of endometriosis the chronic illness is something she will likely have to live with for the rest of her life. Here she shares her story with Shepherdess through this touching short film.
Perimenopause: “The idea that there could be a way to resolve this, or even just a name for it, gave me a huge sense of great relief”
Perimenopause: “The idea that there could be a way to resolve this, or even just a name for it, gave me a huge sense of great relief”
Hazelnut Chocolate Brownie
Margo and Rosa’s go-to dessert to make when we have friends and family at our table. It’s made with our secret ingredient – black beans.
Learning to live – and love – with endometriosis
Sophie Barnes, 31, lives in an isolated spot on the Whanganui River with her husband Dorrien.
Ditching the sepia tones of alcohol: “I value my life too much to not see it in full colour”
Angela Taylor, 36, lives with her husband on a small farm in Feilding and works in rural insurance. Seven years ago, she stopped drinking and says that, while it wasn’t anything dramatic that made her give up, her life has changed dramatically since she did. She spoke to Shepherdess about life without alcohol
“I want her to be proud that I’m her mother” – how the right support has helped a young mum find her self-worth
“I want her to be proud that I’m her mother” – how the right support has helped a young mum find her self-worth
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.