| 33 The farm remains a working property first, running Romney sheep and Angus cattle. RURAL PEOPLE » Pohatu Farm land. We encourage people to take their time and have a full day out. It’s a wonderful way for people to connect together.” These sit alongside an expanding portfolio of experiences including wellness retreats, clay bird shooting, horse trekking for visitors who bring their own horses, and night-sky safaris - available by enquiry. “There is no light pollution where we are and on a beautiful clear evening it’s stunning,” says Julia. Several new offerings are already in development. An adventure run is being explored for 2026 or 2027, with discussions underway with event partners. Private accommodation retreats are also planned, giving visitors the chance to stay on-site in a remote, luxury setting. Proudly thanking our sponsors: Accounting and Agri-Support from the world’s first Figured Elite Partner. www.sidekickrural.co.nz Farming is easier with a Sidekick. The farm remains a working property first, running Romney sheep and Angus cattle across a mix of rolling hills, native bush and forestry. Each year the farm runs approximately 350 calving cows and sells 140 two-year-old cattle. Its current Romney breeding flock consists of approximately 3,500 ewes, producing around 5,000 lambs, with 4,000 sold annually. Julia and Tom raise their four young children - Annabelle, 7, Angus, 6, George, 4½, and Rory, 2 - on the farm, supported by a skilled and highly valued stock manager who works closely with Tom. Julia manages the farm administration, financials and the tourism business. Julia says their motivation is simple: “Being able to share our corner of the world with visitors is very exciting for us.”
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