Saturday 14 March, 8.00-9.30am
Join us for a special Shepherdess ‘In Her Own Words’ breakfast, returning to the Wānaka A&P Show for a second year. This intimate event brings together women whose journeys have been captured by Shepherdess, for a morning of connection, storytelling, and the best of rural communities.
Over a light breakfast, join Shepherdess for a heartfelt conversation with Kate Scott – who runs Rees Valley Station at Glenorchy, Otago with support from her mother, sister and brother – and Ruth Shaw, a much-loved author and bookshop owner from Manapōuri, Murihiku Southland.
The breakfast will be opened by Prue Kane, Board Member of the Upper Clutha A&P Society, with the conversation led by Kristy McGregor, Editor and Publisher of Shepherdess, who will delve into Kate and Ruth’s journeys, including their approach to life, passion for the environment, and making a difference in their communities.
This is an opportunity to connect with like-minded women and be part of a meaningful conversation at the Wānaka A&P Show, one of the South Island’s most beloved events. This is a small, intimate gathering with only a limited number of tickets. Tickets include entry to Shepherdess ‘In Her Own Words’, a light breakfast, a copy of the newly-released Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition of Shepherdess, plus the option of adding entry to the Wānaka A&P Show for Saturday 14 March.
Shepherdess ‘In Her Own Words’ at Wānaka A&P Show
Location: President’s Tent, Wānaka Showgrounds, Ardmore Street, Wānaka (entry via Gate 5 or 6)
Date: Saturday 14 March 2026
Time: 8.00am – 9.30am
Price:
Option 1 – $40 – Ticket includes entry to Shepherdess ‘In Her Own Words’, a light breakfast and a copy of the Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition of Shepherdess. (For those who already have entry to the show).
Option 2 – $60 – Ticket includes entry to Shepherdess ‘In Her Own Words’, a light breakfast, a copy of the Ngahuru Autumn 2026 Edition of Shepherdess, and one-day entry to the Wānaka A&P Show for Saturday 14 March. (For those who require entry to the show).
___________________________________________
Meet our guest speakers:
Kate Scott
Glenorchy, Otago
Kate Scott runs the historic Rees Valley Station, located at the head of Lake Wakatipu, which has been in her family since 1905. As the main farmer on the 18,000-hectare property, Kate studied English literature and art history at university and, after getting her degree, returned home to the farm. In 2022, Kate took over the station from her mother, Iris, who had run it for thirty years after the passing of Kate’s father; Kate is supported by her mother, sister and brother. Like Iris, Kate continues to steward the station’s traditional extensive farming systems which allow for a low-impact style of farming in a largely natural environment. Kate will share her story of continuing a legacy of strong women working on the land.
Ruth Shaw
Manapōuri, Murihiku Southland
Ruth Shaw, the woman known as the bookseller at the end of the world, has inspired connection and conversation worldwide. Together with her husband, Lance, Ruth runs three bookshops in the small town of Manapōuri. Ruth’s first memoir, The Bookseller at the End of the World, speaks to her childhood and adventurous young adult life, travels, and being an environmentalist, but also shares openly some confronting life experiences, including forced adoption, domestic violence and struggles with mental health. In her second memoir, Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World, Ruth reveals what happened next – with Lance, with the bookshops, and connecting with her son. Ruth is just as open sharing the ups, and downs, of her always interesting life, and tackling not-often-discussed subjects like prolapse. Ruth will be sharing her story of adventure, hardship, love, and loss, with her trademark honesty and humour.
Find out more about Ruth’s story in the Raumati Summer 2023/24 Edition of Shepherdess.
