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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.
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.
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.
Chat on the Chathams
Rugged and remote; a far-flung outpost; a step back in time; like New Zealand, only different – Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Islands have been described in many different ways. Greer Paterson, 32, calls the Islands “home.” Here, in her new column, Greer shares what life there is like when you crave a sweet treat.
Unchartered Waters
A sisterly nudge was what it took for Maegen Blom, 24, to apply for the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award. Here, the young leader recalls her pathway to becoming the operations manager of her family’s business – Mills Bay Mussels – and the first from the aquaculture industry to win the award.
Bloomin’ Lovely
When you’re getting spring chores done in the garden, you want clothes that work as hard as you do – without sacrificing style.
From Ballgowns to Gumboots
It was love at first dance for Molly Barker, who was swept off her feet by Simon Dalgliesh at a university ball. But it was back in their gumboots that this farming couple truly bonded.
Loulou Ellingham
Loulou Ellingham, 38, launched Slowlife Collection in 2020 as a side hustle to her day job.
Succession Planning
In our new business advice column, Shepherdess asks an expert to share her thoughts on a matter worth knowing about – this edition, we look at succession planning.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.