Home / Journal
Journal
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.
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.
Baking and Breaking Bread
Katherine Mitchell, a hunter, fisher, gardener, cook and charter boat business manager, is deeply passionate about understanding where food comes from and making the most of every bite.
The Right Note
Cellist, composer and teacher Caitlin Morris, along with her husband, Andrew Atkins, a pianist, conductor and teacher, found Kahutara in the South Wairarapa to be the perfect place to call home
Milk Matriarch
Rosie Cartwright is no stranger to hard work. The quietly spoken mother of four and grandmother of seven – soon to be eight – is up at the crack of dawn each day to milk a 500-strong herd of Jersey cows.
Rekindling Home Fires
For Wikitoria Lewer (Ngāti Maniapoto), candle making is a personal journey of whānau, loss and reclamation. Through her candles, she honours her whakapapa and seeks to connect people to the past and enrich the present.
Kijiana Pene
For our Winter 2025 Edition, we wanted to hear about a memorable birthday and Kijiana Pene shared her wonderful story.
Takurua Winter 2026 Edition
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our Takurua Winter Edition is out 8 June.