28 | First international agent bookings Owned by the Palmer family for 110 years, Te Aratipi spans 3000 acres of limestone-rich hill country. Bernadette Cooney “It started as a way for me to stay on the farm, use my background in hospitality and tourism and share what we love about this place.” RURAL PEOPLE » Te Aratipi Station This March marks a milestone for Te Aratipi Station in Maraetotara near Havelock North. The Palmer family will open their farm gates to its first international agent bookings, introducing guests from Germany and the Netherlands to the rhythm of sheep and beef farming and the character of a fourth-generation Hawke’s Bay farm. Owned by the Palmer family for 110 years, Te Aratipi spans 3000 acres of limestone-rich hill country. Today, Ed and Ro Palmer run 350 mixed age Angus breeding cows and 5000 Romney ewes. Ed is the owner- operator, with the support of a shepherd and farm hand, while Ro is building the agri-tourism venture up. “It started as a way for me to stay on the farm, use my background in hospitality and tourism and share what we love about this place,” says Ro “It’s diversification, yes, but more than that it’s about sharing farm experiences that connect people to the land and its story history.” The farm’s story traces back to Selby Miles Palmer, who purchased Te Aratipi in 1915, breaking in the land and establishing a sheep and beef farm. In 1936, Selby started a stud for Angus cattle and Romney sheep. Post World War Two, Selby’s son John continued on-farm winning numerous awards for his stock and acquiring a neighbouring block. John’s son, Selby II and his wife Felicity took over the farm in 1977. Their son Edward Palmer took the farm over in 2009, joined by Ro in 2013, and together they raise the fifth generation in their sons, Selby III, age 8, and Harry age 6. Te Aratipi’s farm experiences are varied and the landscape a unique treasure just 45 minutes from Napier airport and close to Waimarama Beach. Farm visitors can take in panoramic views of Mahia Peninsula out across to Te Mata Peak, Mt Erin, Mt Kahuranaki, the Ruahines and Kawekas. Farm experience activities for domestic and international guests include guided or self-guided walks, farm tours, family wilderness adventures, a hot tub experience, summer farm golf and accommodation options consisting of the quaint Rabbiter’s Cottage, or a remote off grid retreats at Te Aratipi Cabins (with more to come). Ro aims to hit both the domestic and international markets with varied price points. “Walking tours happen from Labour Weekend through to June and we want to ensure everyone can get to us in some capacity.” “Ro is looking forward to adding a cultural experience in collaboration with local tangata whenua - weaving together stories of the land from both indigenous and settler perspectives. ”Te Aratipi Station took part in New Zealand’s national open farm day in March this year, Open Farms which connects urban Kiwis with farmers to learn more about where their food is grown. “Alongside that, we have and will continue to host farm visits for community and school groups,” says Ro. “For each experience booked, we will plant a tree – inviting guests to be part of Te Aratipi’s story of regeneration and care for the land’’. This year, we’ve introduced a new tradition - an annual planting day every Matariki weekend where we invite our family, friends and anyone else keen to join us to plant trees - followed by a shared farm lunch afterwards to celebrate the season.” Smarter Fertilisers for Smarter Farming Not Just Fertiliser. A Formula Built for Your Soil. At Profile Fertilisers, we’re not here to push products —we’re here to build better farming outcomes. We believe fertiliser should work with your soil, not against it. That’s why everything we do starts with science, is built around your farm, and is designed to give you better outcomes and results. If you’re looking for fertilisers that do more —with less drawbacks—these are the game -changers you’ve been waiting for. Location Contact 508 Scarborough Road, Pahiatua - 4983 Wium Mostert 027 463 7577 | info@ergozymenz.com Don Henderson 021 643 698 | donh@profilefert.co.nz Free Customised Solutions www.profilefert.co.nz Tailored Fertilisers Without the Added Cost Kinder on Animals, Better for Soil pH Balanced for Soil Health Better For The Environment +64 6 878 7004 | hawkesbay@bakertillysr.nz www.bakertillysr.nz AUDIT • BUSINESS ADVISORY • CORPORATE ADVISORY • HUMAN RESOURCES • TAX We are proud to be long standing financial advisors to the Te Aratipi Station and Palmer family and their successful farming business activities.
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