16 | Hauiti Inc teams are run as one unit Hauiti Station covers 2750 hectares of which 2350 is effective. Sue Russell Chris Torkington is General Manager of Hauiti Incorporation’s large-scale sheep and beef station at Tolaga Bay on the North Island’s East Coast. The station actually comprises four farms, who each have their own main activities that contribute to the overall effective running of Hauiti Station. These farms are called Iwinui, Titirangi, Pukemaewa and Seaview. Chris has been in the role 2 ½ years, having previously worked on the property before spending time away in another job, before returning. Pukemaewa, used as a finishing block and Seaview have been the incorporation’s latest acquisitions into the land-bank. “All the farms are connected and the team’s working over them run as one unit, with each block having its own purpose and class of stock,” Chris explains. Currently Hauiti Station carries 6,500 breeding ewes, 2,200 replacement ewe hoggets, 8,500 trading hoggets, 600 Angus / Hereford breeding cows and 1000 bulls. Chris says that in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle parts of the property have been left quite vulnerable and there’s still some damage to be seen. “I guess it means that if we’re going to get really big volumes of rain falling, there may be more damage sustained in the future which is worrying.” He recalls that long before Gabrielle, back in March of 2022 there was a massive storm, followed pretty much by two years of rain causing slips. Pleasing, however was that the stock maintained reasonable condition through this time. “With a lack of sunshine, it has an impact on how the animals grow and finish off which we’ve noticed. They’re lagging behind where they would normally be in terms of size and condition.” Working with Chris are four stockmen, with one appointed 2IC as stock manager. With this structure, Chris in his overseeing role, responsible for all parts of the operation, can talk with the 2IC and its an effective way to communicate and keep abreast of what is happening across the property. In total, Hauiti Station covers 2750 hectares of which 2350 is effective. Of the total, about 690ha is steep hill, 1072 medium rolling and 693ha flat. Black cows are mated to a Hereford bull while any white-faced cows are mated to Angus bull to achieve maximum hybrid vigour. Historically the sheep genetics were entirely Romney but in recent years the commercial ewes were crossed with Coopworth, to increase RURAL PEOPLE » Hauiti Incorporation production, create hybrid vigour, reducing facial eczema and improving worm tolerance. “We place a focus on mothering capability and survivability when making our breeding decisions.” In winter about 500 bulls are sent to Pukemaewa. When Rural North spoke with Chris early July, some early lambing was underway. Chris says in terms of stock count, the Station has about 1000 more lambs than they would like to carry and he’s optimistic that schedule prices for hoggets are slowly creeping up. Looking more strategically, Chris acknowledges that Hauiti Station is full of potential, with the variety of land forms it carries. In his role as General Manager Chris links to the farm management committee, comprising some board members, on any matters requiring the attention of the board. A citrus orchard on the Seaview Block is an additional income stream and the Incorporation owns a camp ground by the Tolaga Bay wharf. Potentially, Chris says, there’s 650ha of land suitable for cropping but this has to be balanced with flooding risks. He says a big thing in the east-coast is for Maori land owners and businesses to find ways Proud to be supplying the Hauiti Incorporation with FE Tolerant Rams Using FE Gold rams .70 and .68 tested Progeny tested at .62 Combining FE Tolerance, High Fertility, High Growth, High Survival and Structural Soundness Enquiries David Hildreth 027 468 0281 Marcus Hildreth 027 353 0405 to work together to support each other. Other land owners and operators get together from time to time in discussion groups, which Chris says is worthwhile. “I think its important these blocks find ways to supply and trade with each other so that every business is supported economically by others in the district.”
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