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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.
A Northland shearer on her health struggles: “We need to start listening to our bodies a bit more”
A Northland shearer on her health struggles: “We need to start listening to our bodies a bit more”
“I found myself through weaving”: how raranga has helped one woman discover her place in the world
“I found myself through weaving”: how raranga has helped one woman discover her place in the world
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.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.