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Sausage & Puy Lentil Stew
“I’ve updated this rustic French stew but the key ingredients – Puy lentils and good-quality sausages – are timeless. Serve with crusty bread, green beans and a glass of red wine.”
This is the second of three comforting recipes Olivia Galletly shared with us from her first cookbook, The Hungry Cook.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
The challenges – and rewards – of running a business in the remote communities of Aotea Great Barrier
Orla, Felicitas and Andi talk about the difficulties – and delights – of island life, living and running businesses in the remote communities of Aotea.
Tui Gower
Tui, a single mum of three, manages a veritable menagerie on her lifestyle block, works as a part-time phlebotomist and even finds time to volunteer as a firefighter.
Doing it for the kids: making the local marae clubrooms a community-positive, whānau-focused space
Stacey lives next to Hungahungatoroa Marae, where she has shifted the priorities and focus of the clubroom to provide a more wholesome and community-positive space.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.