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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.
The short course full of “useful little gems” to help identify stress and prioritise wellbeing in yourself and others
Alice Trevelyan, 33, completed the ‘Know Your Mindset. Do What Matters’ programme with her husband, Dave.
Brenda McHugo – Short Film
Brenda McHugo, 80, decided she wanted to be a midwife when she was twelve years old following an out-of-the-ordinary event that meant she witnessed something quite spectacular – the birth of a baby and the beginning of a new life.
A lifetime of delivering babies: “At every single birth, through all the years, it was always amazing, just as it was that first time”
Brenda decided she wanted to be a midwife after witnessing something quite spectacular when she was just twelve years old – the birth of a baby and the beginning of a new life.
“I’m just flying”: how one woman has reigned in her inner critic, building confidence and achieving her goals
Hannah, 40, took part in Next Level, a leadership programme that empowers women to take a lead in creating positive impact in New Zealand’s primary sector and rural communities.
Pooling their Waters
Three women working with WAI Wānaka share what ties them to the land and drives their work.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.