A new scholarship fund has been launched to help Southland and Clutha women attend The Shepherdess Muster, coming to Tokanui, Murihiku Southland for the first time on 6–8 March 2026.

The Southland & Clutha Scholarship Fund, established by the local Muster committee, aims to raise $15,000 by mid-December to support 15 women from the region to attend the three-day event focused on rest, connection and wellbeing.

Local committee member Julie Keast, who lives at Tokanui, has seen firsthand how hard the recent storms have been for farm families across the region.

“As we know, women will often bear the brunt of supporting their partners when things on the farm aren’t right. This can often be at the sacrifice of their own plans.

When the storms hit this time, the things that are usually second nature – like getting the meal on the table or keeping the household functioning so you can get out and do the jobs on the farm – just become so much harder when you don’t have the basics like electricity or running water,” Julie says.

“For women on farm, the clean-up is massive and constant. You can’t hurry it, and it’s work that is dangerous.

To get the farms back fully functioning is a long haul — you’re reliant on contractors to remove trees, or builders to make repairs. So the timing of The Muster is probably perfect for women to just reset or refocus,” Julie says.

“I am very excited for the opportunity The Muster will provide to connect and build on relationships through great food and entertainment, and to learn together from some very interesting speakers.

In committing to attending The Muster, I know that 6–8 March will be my time – setting aside everything else to focus on the opportunities The Muster will bring.”

Kristy McGregor, Founder and Director of The Shepherdess Muster, says the local committee’s experiences shaped the creation of the scholarship fund. “Our local committee members were affected by the storms and saw firsthand the impact across farms, families and communities,” Kristy says.

“We know women do it tough after events like this. Creating space to come together, connect and recharge can make a real difference — and that’s what The Muster is all about.”

Kristy says donations to the fund will provide direct support for women who would otherwise miss out.

“Any contribution, big or small, will help a Southland or Clutha woman get to The Muster. It’s a practical way to support the wellbeing of the women who keep our rural communities going.”

The Shepherdess Muster runs from 6–8 March 2026 at the Tokanui Rugby Club, Murihiku Southland, offering workshops, kōrero, entertainment and shared meals designed to nurture connection, learning and creativity.