Stories and people from Tarras, past and present, have often made the news.
From the internationally-famous hermit sheep, Shrek, to New Zealand All Blacks. From world-beating Merino sheep breeders to award-winning photographers, leading winemakers and fashion designers. We have notable local historians and much-admired poets - and we even have a NZ Master Chef competitor.
Read and listen to our local stories and discover more about our community and its history makers.
Bill Cowie, the Lindis Magpie
Bill Cowie (1938-2011) was one of Central Otago's most colourful characters, well-known and much loved in the Tarras community.
Camilla Rutherford, Photographer
Camilla is an award-winning photographer, specializing in outdoor sports photography, travel, and lifestyle.
Jayne and George at Cloudy Peak and Nine Mile Stations
Jayne Rive and George Reed showcased their work with Merinos - and their battle with the infamous Central Otago rabbits - on Country Calendar in 2023.
Jim Morris, Poet and Conservationist
Jim Morris is a respected poet and conservationist. He originally ran Manuka Point Station in the Rakaia, Canterbury, and later moved to Ben Avon in the Ahuriri Valley. He has now made Tarras his home .
Ron Murray, Historian
Ron Murray (1928-2010) , a noted local historian, left over 2500 historic images of the area to Cromwell Museum. He spent some of his later life in Tarras .
Shrek the Sheep
Shrek the Sheep (1994 - 2011) became an international celebrity in 2004 when he was caught after six years 'on the run' on Bendigo Station.
The Emmersons at Forest Range Station
Russell and Dave Emmerson muster with a helicopter at Forest Range Station on Country Calendar in 2022. Forest Range produces some of the world's finest merino fibre.
The McLachlans at Peregrine Vineyard
The McLachlan family at Peregrine Estate at Bendigo. share their viticulture philosophy on Country Calendar.
The Perriams at Bendigo Station
John Perriam, farming at Bendigo Station, was instrumental in the establishment of MerinoNZ, the group largely responsible for transforming the NZ Merino industry. His story is told in 'Dust to Gold'