Home / Journal
Journal
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.
Fit for purpose: one woman’s mission to help those in the rural sector feel well and move well, so that they can perform well
Movement coach Laura is passionate about the health and wellbeing of people in the rural sector.
The course providing farming couples with the tools to make their businesses resilient, adaptable – and profitable
Ann and Scott took part in AWDT’s ‘Our Resilient Farming Business’ course.
A Taste of Timaru – Saskia
Saskia, a star of Timaru District’s food and beverage scene, shares how she spends her days off with Shepherdess.
Sound, Sea and Sky
Entrepreneurs Maria and Seán use their sustainable charter venture Pure Salt to foster conservation efforts in Fiordland.
Holding on to love through loss: how communication, intimacy and acts of love have helped one couple to navigate tough times
Elise and Matt have navigated the darkest of times in their nearly three-year relationship, including multiple miscarriages
Losing a baby to miscarriage: “You never quite put that grief to bed; it just takes up less space”
Laura has experienced multiple miscarriages and has become an advocate for women in a time of great emotional intensity.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.