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Journal

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.

Feature Post v2 Matariki Provincial Life

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.

Her Words

Our Whare

Letter from the Editor, Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition.

Recipes

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.

Recipes

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.

Community

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.

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Feature Post v2 Provincial Life

Embracing Autumn

Far too often we cling to the long, lazy days of summer – mourning the start of autumn rather than appreciating its cool evenings, riots of colour and bounty of produce.

Feature Post v2 Weddings

An Ongoing Flame

For Winton couple Mikayla and Mitchell Smith, getting married was just another step in an already long and beautiful relationship.

Her Words

Mel & Brianna

Melanie Gielen and daughter-in-law Brianna Patino, helms popular Rawene eatery The Boatshed Cafe. There, they dish up fresh, delicious kai with a twist, sharing their boundless hospitality with locals and visitors alike.

Matariki Stories

Kara Boyes – Short Film

On a farm that has been in her family for a century is a delightful sanctuary where Kara Boyes, 31, practises mirimiri. After years overseas, traveling and exploring her interests in traditional healing, Kara felt the call to return to her home in Pahoia – and to the healing methods of her tūpuna. Here she talks to Shepherdess.

Feature Post v2 Matariki Stories

A soul’s calling – how traditional healing methods led a ‘wanderer’ home to her whenua

Nestled away on a farm that has been in her family for a century is a delightful sanctuary where Kara Boyes (Ngāpuhi, Tapuika, Ngāti Raukawa) practises mirimiri. After years overseas, traveling and exploring her interests in traditional healing, Kara, 41, felt the call to return to her home in Pahoia – and to the healing methods of her tūpuna.