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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.
Jenna Smith
“I always thought I had to be everything in equal parts to be successful.” – from dairy assistant to CEO and governance roles.
“You feel like you’re part of something and part of the community”: two Canterbury mothers helping to run a small rural preschool
Kiri and Louise talk about what is involved in volunteering at a community-run country preschool.
‘How we met’: rural couples share their dating stories … and what came after
What does Cupid look like in rural New Zealand? It’s hard to imagine the winged boy being able to hack the rural lifestyle, although his bow and arrow might come in handy.
Best Tomato & Mustard Tart Ever
My darling mum whips up this tart on a regular basis and we never complain.
The Whānau Collective
Nukuhia and her husband have been farming in Wairoa’s Ruakituri Valley for the past twenty-one years, thanks to the intergenerational farming model that has set their whānau up for success.
Orchard overload: when life gives you a plethora of pears, make craft gin
When Nikki and her partner stumbled upon their dream house on the banks of the Whanganui River, they found themselves the proud owners of a large pear orchard.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.