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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.
Trading the corporate life for flower fields, and learning to take it slow
Gisborne’s Kate Briant worked in the agri-corporate world before making a big lifestyle and career change after having her first child.
The forest school regenerating native bush and growing inquisitive young minds
For the past thirteen years, Hella has been overseeing not only the regeneration of 240 acres of native bush in the Wairarapa but also nurturing local children’s connection with nature.
A Warm Wairoa Welcome
A fifth-generation farmer, single mum and entrepreneur, Rose shares her story and recommends the walks, views and places that have captured her heart in Wairoa.
From drawing a ballot farm of 800 hectares, to retirement on 8 hectares – food, farm, family, friendships and firewood
Nancie and her husband found moving from an 800-hectare station to a smaller lifestyle block allowed them to focus on what they enjoy doing while still maintaining their connections with rural life.
NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards
Over the past few weeks, we have been traversing rural Aotearoa, catching up with the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards 2022 winners.
Judy Waterson
Nestled among snow-capped mountain ranges and the lazy Waitaki River, you’ll find Judy Waterston firing up the forge and pumping the bellows at the historic Nicol’s Blacksmith Shop in Duntroon.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.