14 | Proving strong wool still has a place The 824 hectare sheep and beef farm, along with an additional 200 hectares leasehold, runs about 4000 ewes and 220 cattle. Alexia Anderson At the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds lies Kaituna Ridges, a hill country farm that is proving strong wool still has a valuable place within the sector. The 824 hectare sheep and beef farm, along with an additional 200 hectares leasehold, runs about 4000 ewes and 220 cattle, predominantly Angus. Alongside traditional livestock production, Fred and Nikita Gane have built something more, a fully traceable, New Zealand made wool garment and lifestyle brand born from their Romney flock. The farm has transformed over the years, thanks to its various owners who each nurtured the land despite the many challenges. Albie Higgins took it on in the early 1960s when it was largely scrub, gorse and broom and built stock numbers up from 150 ewes to 5000. Later, owners Paul and Muff Newton modernised the management systems and gave the property its name, Kaituna Ridges. Fred says he had admired the farm since childhood, having grown up nearby on what was then a sheep and cropping farm. However, his childhood farm has since been converted, and now serves the viticulture sector. Although he appreciates that transition and the decision his parents made, sheep and beef was where his passion was, so when the opportunity to purchase Kaituna Ridges came up he welcomed the challenge. “I always thought it was a pretty cool place. I met Paul, he was hosting the Pelorus Dog Trials, and I started talking to him and managed to get onto the property and gave them a hand at busy times of the year and it was a chance to give my dogs a run and get some mustering in.” MEAT & WOOL » Kaituna Ridges Pu ing Farmers First. Local veterinary expertise for beef, dairy, sheep, deer, horses and lifestyle blocks. Practical support for healthier animals and stronger farms. office@farmvet.co.nz | www.farmvet.co.nz Havelock Shell Processors Converting mussel shell waste into high quality agricultural products · Fertiliser & fertiliser blends · Poultry grit · Landscaping · Filtration socks · Spill absorption · Horse arenas· Cow lanes We crush mussel shell waste into a range of graded materials suitable for multiple uses, including: Phone Mike 027 207 6935 | info@havelockshellprocessors.co.nz | havelockshellprocessors.co.nz Delivering quality labour to Marlborough’s vineyards and wineries from large wine companies to smaller family growers. Proudly Supporting Kaituna Ridges We believe our greatest strength lies in our people and systems. As a people-first organisation, we are deeply committed to the wellbeing of our team, investing heavily in pastoral care, structured support, and ongoing training to ensure our workers are safe, valued, and equipped to succeed. Get In Touch 27 Park Terrace, Blenheim 7201 | 027 253 3613 | ajwilkinson@xtra.co.nz
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