| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Atihau - Te Pa Station “We do a shortlist process having received the questionnaires from potential cadets. The open day is usually around docking time and we try to get them to stay two nights on the farm.” Block manager Nick Dieghton, Te Pa manager Jimmy Doolan, Cadet Ben Waiwai, block manager Wes Johnson, Federal General Foti Ioannidis, block manager Josh Chrystall. mind to make a go of the opportunity. “We just see this time for them as a valuable experience in itself, enabling them to discover things about themselves, to work as part of a team, take instruction and grow a good work ethic that will see them in good stead in the future.” Potential cadets find their way into the programme initially by making contact through a facebook page, which invites interested prospective cadets to a farm open day along with completing a questionnaire. “We do a shortlist process having received the DA WINDLE LTD Raetihi for all your livestock transport needs phone kerry on 027 222 3431 questionnaires. The open day is usually around docking time and we try to get them to stay two nights on the farm. Te Pa Station has also diversified its activities somewhat, beyond lamb and beef finishing as its core income streams. (Jimmy can you please write in here the new farming activity involving the 75 cows Atihau was offered, the DNA testing regime and what you hope to see become of this new development for Te Pa Station – thanks!). Te Pa Station is home to 17,000 ewes and 1,200 cows and currently breeding and finishing accounts for about 75% of the farm’s income streams and main activity. “We take the cattle through from breeding to leaving the farm having reached 270kg for heifers and 330kg for steers. We chase the marbling game, with our stock hand-picked through Alliance. At the moment we’re sitting at about $2,200 per beast. Our cattle is generally smaller framed but we get the premium for the marbling.” Jimmy whakapapa’s back to the Station. His Grandmother is a shareholder of Atihau. “I treat it like my own given this relationship and that’s a nice feeling. Just waking up every day and being at Te Pa is wonderful.” Proud to offer Shearing Services to Atihau -Te Pa Station For a quality service, call now to discuss your requirements Delwyn 027 537 9469 | Hanatia 021 188 2318 d.h.shearing@gmail.com
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