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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Our Whare

Letter from the Editor, Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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 Mirror for the Soul

Sara (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Arawa, Pākehā) is a documentary photographer, māmā and feminist.

Read More
Robyn and Jana on a farm gate

“My mother-in-law is my best friend” – how kindness, consideration and respect make this relationship work

German immigrant Jana, mum to three boys, lives and works on the family farm in Te Aroha with her husband Chris and his parents, John and Robyn.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Ask The Flock

The start-of-spring signals from the eyes of our community.

Read More

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.

Read More

Takurua Winter 2026 Edition

Twenty-Sixth Edition

Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.

Do you have a story to tell?

We'd love to hear it.