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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.
“The compromise works both ways” – the sacrifices rural couples make for work and for love
Holly left the South Island and her beloved curling team behind to be with her partner – but she makes it work, still managing to play for them despite the distance.
Turning out and giving back – two female volunteer firefighters on life in the brigade
Karley and Manaka got together to share what it’s like to be a mum, career woman and local hero – on the Ōakura volunteer fire brigade.
Defining Her Why
Cheyenne, 29, is passionate about improving youth opportunities in the dairy industry and helping the sector take charge of its own development.
More time with the kids, freedom, fewer interruptions, loneliness – what it’s really like working from home
Becky Nicholson, Emily Walker and Michaela Gower share their unique versions of entwining work and home life.
Liv & René
A chance conversation about SCOBYs between nutritionist and medical herbalist René, 46, and avid fermenter Liv, 37, first led to friendship and then a business partnership.
The rural rūmaki teacher with big aspirations for te ao Māori ways of learning
Te Waikohua Rata is a rural rūmaki teacher with dreams of seeing a grading system in place for te ao Māori ways of learning in the public schooling system.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.