Mustering connection for rural women

Festival director Kristy McGregor says the Shepherdess Muster is about “filling your own cup so you can give back to everyone else.” Supplied

From 6–8 March 2026, the small Southland community of Tokanui will host the Shepherdess Muster – a three-day festival created to give women something many don’t allow themselves very often: time.

Festival director and Shepherdess magazine publisher Kristy McGregor describes it as a deliberate pause from the constant demands many women carry.

“It’s a weekend to leave the kids at home, or the partner or husband, and just get away and do something for yourself.

“Women are pulled in so many directions and wear so many hats, and this is about filling your own cup so you can keep giving back to everyone else too.

“It’s fun. It’s about connecting with other women in the same boat. It’s about learning. It’s about creative arts.”

Tokanui was not chosen by accident.

 McGregor says the community actively invited the Muster south, and its story reflects that of many small rural towns across the country.

Tokanui sits off the main drag for large events and has faced the same pressures as many provincial centres, including the loss of essential services.

Held at the rugby club grounds, the Muster organisers say the event is designed to have the “spirit of a retreat with the energy of a festival.”

 Over three days, women can choose from more than 25 workshops, speakers and creative sessions spanning arts, health and wellbeing, and business and entrepreneurship, with everyone coming together for shared meals and evening entertainment.

Yoga is just one of the sessions available to women attending the Muster. Supplied.

A defining feature of the Shepherdess Muster is that everyone stays onsite together for the full weekend.

Camping is part of the experience, whether women bring their own tent, caravan, horse float or swag, or book one of the pre-set tents available in twin or triple share.

While it’s a paddock-based set-up rather than luxury accommodation, there are shower facilities and shared amenities, making it practical as well as relaxed.

That shared environment is where much of the connection happens.

 You’ll see the same faces again and again — at the showers, lining up for coffee in the morning, or sitting together at meals — creating an easy familiarity that builds over the weekend.

The simplicity of being away from everyday routines has proved powerful.

 Reflecting on the 2024 Muster, McGregor says, “Women said the best thing was switching off completely and being present.

“There are heaps of conferences in fancy city hotels. This is different: connecting with each other, being on the whenua. It creates a really special space.”

The 2026 programme brings together national names and strong southern talent.

The line-up includes comedian Michèle A’Court, sex and relationship therapist Jo Robertson and PledgeMe co-founder Anna Guenther, alongside Southland and Otago contributors including pelvic floor physiotherapist Anna Thompson, Zumba sessions led by Sheila Smith, workshops with Sharne Parkinson based on traditional Māori instruments, and dance workshops and performances from South Pole Dance.

Tickets are all-inclusive, covering meals, workshops, speakers, entertainment and BYO camping.

   Over three days, women can choose from more than 25 workshops, speakers and creative sessions spanning arts, health and wellbeing, and business and entrepreneurship. Supplied.

General attendee tickets are $839 inc. GST, with discounted local tickets for Waihopai Toetoe community board residents and kaumātua (over 70 years) options available at $599 inc. GST.

 Business and Pay It Forward tickets are also available, and pre-set tent accommodation can be added for those who prefer not to bring their own gear.

For McGregor, the aim is not just a good weekend away, but something that lasts longer. “It’s about doing something for yourself,” she says -and returning home feeling refreshed, connected and supported, long after the tents are packed up and the paddock is quiet again.

BOX:

Shepherdess Muster 2026 – Event Details

Where: Tokanui Rugby Club Grounds, Murihiku Southland

When: 6–8 March 2026

Tickets (all-inclusive):

• General attendee: $839 inc. GST

• Local (Waihopai Toetoe Community Board residents): $599 inc. GST

• Kaumātua (70 years and over): $599 inc. GST

• Pay It Forward (scholarship support): $839 inc. GST

• Business & corporate: $1,119 inc. GST

Tickets include all meals, workshops, speakers, entertainment and BYO camping.

Pre-set tent accommodation is available at an additional cost.

Buy tickets: www.shepherdessmuster.co.nz