The Farming Aspects Report

Additional to the responsibilities that the trustees have concerning environmental issues (water quality, native forest etc), cultural demands around guardianship, ancestry and shareholders interests, is the necessity to farm the land in a sustainable and profitable way.

Approximately 131 hectares bordering Kakahu Road have been leased to local farmer Mr Merv Taylor. This land has been fully integrated with his own neighbouring freehold land by the construction of an underpass under the road linking it directly to his modern rotary cowshed on a central site. The Trust land he agreed to lease is now well developed with water supply, tracks, fences, weed control and fertility all being of a good standard.

About 15 hectares of the steeper land at the base of the Kaimai hills has been planted in pines with a similar area in several small blocks still in native bush.

The remainder of the land (about 140 hectares) provides many challenges mainly around difficult land contour, gorse infestation and a much easier, safer access over the Rapurapu Stream. The leasee has the blocks for a 10 year period with the requirement that he continues to develop the land with gorse control being the number one priority. Taylor has already helicopter sprayed the gorse at a cost of about $65,000 (at his own cost), cultivated and re-grassed a large area. This marginal land has limited ability to generate income because it can only graze dry stock, and the leasee’s expenses will exceed income for several years.

The Trustees are extremely grateful to have a leasee such as Merv Taylor who, along with his wife & dedicated staff, has put some long, hard work (as well as capital) into developing the land. Their expertise has been clearly witnessed by the Trust & we acknowledge their commitment with enormous thanks. We will continue to maintain an honest, respectful relationship for the betterment of the whenua & the shareholders.