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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.
A Hokianga home bursting at the seams with aroha, art, taonga and whānau connections
Writer Claire Kaahu White and her husband have created a home in Hokianga that celebrates their shared values and the many people and places that have influenced their lives.
Fridge Foraging
From growing up on a station to running several successful cafes, Sarah Burtscher is no stranger to making the most of her pantry.
Lambing, dances every weekend, and cricket infestations – two old pals discuss a lifetime living in Auckland’s rural outskirts
Christine and Jenny talk about their early lives in the rural outskirts of Auckland and the changes they’ve seen in their community due to the not-so-slow spread of Auckland City.
Everyone mucks in: how one Southland family gets through the busy calving season
Mum-of-three Tessa talks us through the busy calving season on the 270-hectare farm her family are sharemilking on in Wendonside, Southland.
Turning forty – embracing authenticity, a slower pace and growth, and shedding expectations
Shirelle recently turned forty. It spurred a major rethink of what was important to her and how she wanted to live her life and bring up her daughters.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.