64 | Sprawling sheep and beef operation When the cyclone hit, about 7.5km of fence lines and significant farm tracks were obliterated. Sue Russell In actual size, Owahanga Station in the Wairarapa is one of the more significant single holdings. At a sprawling 7,700ha the block is owned by Aohanga Incorporation, who administer it through a management committee on behalf of its shareholders. The property stretches as impressive 22km along the coast from the Aohanga River in Tararua south to the Mataikona River in Wairarapa. It’s principle income streams are from the farming of sheep and beef. Chairman of Aohanga Incorporation Demitrius Potangaroa, says such a large piece of land, with many steep topographies, comes with its own share of challenges, particularly given the experiences of recent cyclones impacting the province. “We experienced multiple slips and lost much access and means of communication. Now nearly 18 months later the land still bears the scars on hollsides and roads. We just got on with reinstating essential infrastructure as we could,” Demitrius explains. When the cyclone hit, about 7.5km of fence lines and significant farm tracks were obliterated. This included the main backbone track running from the northern to the southern end of the property. “We were most concerned on checking on animal welfare as a priority so that was very difficult given the conditions we were left with.” Overseeing the day to day operation of the farm is kaitiaki Paul Peeti who is currently the maintenance and infrastructure manager. He’s been associated with the station 48 years and has experienced all kinds of weather phenomena, but nothing on the scale of the cyclone’s trail of destruction. “All the river fencing bore the brunt of the rain, debris coming down the rivers and it’s amazing that we didn’t lose any stock, though significants amounts of fencing have had to be replaced and that’s ongoing.” The problem is that the land itself is moving, causing replacement fencing to be built on new and more stable land. Stock numbers, since the cyclone, dropped significantly as well, from 20,000 sheep to approximately 14,000 along with 760 cattle. “We’ve planted significant numbers of trees around hillsides and farm tracks to assist with stabilising as much of the land as possible.” Owahanga has a proud history. ON FARM » Owahanga Station Proudly supporting Owahanga Station Hewitt Motorcycles Ltd All Electrical Installation &Maintenance Woolsheds, Cowsheds, Pumping Systems We have enjoyed our association with Owahanga Station management & sta . We wish them all the best for the future. Phone 021 215 6869 or 06 374 9493 For many years the property was leased with the last lease expiring nearly a century ago in 1930, when the Maori Trustees took it over, supervised by officeres of the Maori Affairs Department. Controlling Manuka scrub has been an ongoing task and during the depression more than 400 scrub cutters were employed, clearing the whole property. A distinguishing feature of the station is its imposing wool shed with a huge roof extending more than 19,000sq feet to capture water in the early days. The shed was built in 1938. In its time, Owahanga station was also home to a school, which when closed, had one student on the roll. Demitrius says that with such a large landholding the Incorporation is always looking for new ways to diversify to future proof the property as a business for its shareholders. “We bought a commercial hub in Dannevirke back in 2022 as a way to bring new streams of income off the land and it is our intention to focus on other ways to invest as time goes by. In last year’s Annual Report profit from the commercial building was noted at $164,000 a return of 8%.” Owahanga Station employs David Strong as station manager and a team of between 5 – 8 farm workers. It comprises substantial bush and native blocks and enjoys an outstanding coastline stretch. Demitrius is pragmatic about the work ahead on the motu given the experiences of the past 20 months or so. “We’ve developed a plan to steadily resinstate and upgrade those parts of the property which have proven quite vulnerable given the weather conditions we now experience more frequently.” For great prices and service, please contact us today! Proudly supportingOwahanga Station 06 376 2707 or 027 916 6776 pongaroafarmcentre@outlook.com • Stock Feed • Dog food • Wet weather gear • Work&hunting boots • Drench and Pour-on • ShearingGear • Horse Gear ...and SOmuchmore!
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