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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 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.
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.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.