Home / Journal
Journal
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.
“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.