14 | Progressive policies earn recognition Hereheretau Station is situated 25 kilometres northeast of Wairoa. Karen Phelps Hereheretau Station almost didn’t need recognition in the Rabobank People Development category for its approach to staff development and retention at the 2024 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards. The fact that so many staff stay for so long is indication enough that the farm’s policies around its people are working, says farm manager Dick Finnie. For example staff members James Beattie and Lance Wesche, who work as general hands and fencers, have 11 and 12 years of service respectively. Shepherd Paul Te Aho has dedicated over three decades to the station. Situated 25 kilometres northeast of Wairoa, it is also the station’s pioneering shepherd programme, which has become a cornerstone of bringing young people into the industry, offering shepherds a unique career development pathway. Under the programme, shepherds are given increasing responsibilities and are even empowered to manage their own recruitment. “The shepherds ‘employ’ each other. They interview them, offer them the wage and approve them. The Trust pays the wage but I want the boys to take the responsibility for hiring,” explains Dick. “And new people coming in hear how the job is straight from the horse’s mouth.” It’s an example of the station’s very flat management structure, fostering a positive working environment and is yet another factor in the station’s exceptional staff retention rates. “‘We’ run this farm, not ‘I’. It’s not a top-to-bottom leadership structure. We roll as one,” says Dick. He says Hereheretau Station has cultivated an environment where people thrive. “These young shepherds for example are funny - they laugh, they tease and I love it. It’s a great environment,” says Dick. “Generally there is a shortage of shepherds coming through the industry. So we’re helping to bring new people in which is important due to the industry-wide challenges in recruitment.” The shepherd programme typically sees participants stay for two years before progressing to other opportunities. The station takes an active role in this transition: “They need to find a good job to move onto. We’ve invested a lot in them and we want to see them thrive in their next position. We talk about where they will go and what they want to do.” This nurturing approach has created lasting connections: “I still keep in touch with every one of my shepherds,” says Dick, who has welcomed shepherds as young as 15 years old into the programme. Hereheretau Station manages approximately 27,000 stock units across predominantly steep terrain, with an almost even split between sheep and cattle. Conservation of the land is prioritised with 172 hectares of native bush fenced off and ongoing investment in erosion control measures. All of the farm’s work is undertaken on horseback. RURAL PEOPLE » Hereheretau Station The property’s historical significance adds another layer to its story. Established in 1922 to assist Maori soldiers returning from World War I, it now provides grants to the Maori Soldiers’ Fund and Sir Apirana Ngata Scholarship, benefiting young Maori nationwide. “It’s pretty cool to work for a unique bunch of people,” says Dick. “We certainly run Hereheretau Station with a lot of mana, thinking of the Maori Soldiers’ Trust we work for.” He says this makes the station’s recognition in the B+LNZ Awards all the more significant, acknowledging not just the farm’s commercial success but its commitment to developing people and preserving legacy. 53 THICK, MEATY, TOP QUALITY BULLS FOR SALE ANNUAL SALE: Wednesday 25th June 2025, at 2:00pm ON THE PROPERTY, TURIROA, STATE HIGHWAY 2, WAIROA ENQUIRIES WELCOME: Andrew Powdrell Phone (06) 838 8805 Mb: 0276 228 088 Email: arpowdrell@turiroa.co.nz Turiroa Angus www.turiroaangus.co.nz 3 year guarantee for fertility & soundness Z Bulk fertiliser and Lime spreading across the East Coast District Contact: Craig Henneker Phone: 021 751 235 Email: craig@wss.nz Call us today to discuss your requirements Locally Owned and Operated LIME - UREA - FERTILISER BLENDS STANDARD FERTILISER P & S Revell 06 388 7519 paulandsus@inspire.net.nz Sale Venue: Papanui Junction School Hall, 7471 Turakina Valley Rd, Papanui Junction, Taihape 2-Year Bull Sale 4th June 2025, 11AM Dairy/heifer bulls available in Spring On-farm and online Helmsman auction
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