10 | Preparing for big change at Ahuriri Ahuriri Station is currently part of the Pamu farm portfolio but is now being managed on the expectation that the station will transfer to Mana Ahuriri Trust ownership by 2023 or 2024. Kim Newth RURAL PEOPLE » Ahuriri Station Under the Ahuriri Hapu Deed of Settlement, which passed in Parliament last December, the Mana Ahuriri Trust has up to two years to elect to purchase Ahuriri Station. The Ahuriri Hapu Deed of Settlement is the full and nal settlement of all the historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ahuriri Hapu (Napier/Hawke’s Bay). Ahuriri Station is currently part of the Pamu farm portfolio but is now being managed on the expectation that the station will transfer to Mana Ahuriri Trust ownership by 2023 or 2024. Managing the station in the interim is Lindsey Donoghue, who transferred from Goudies farm in Reporoa – a Pamu commercial stud farm – to take up the role last November. Working with her is Ahuriri’s previous manager Jon Douglas, now working as Pamu’s upper east coast regional business manager and overseeing seven sheep and beef farms from Napier to Tolaga Bay. Ahuriri Station is a mixed cropping, sheep and beef trading and nishing operation. The 1179ha coastal property, uplifted after the 1931 Napier earthquake. relies on an extensive system of pumps, canals and drains to keep seawater out and pump freshwater in. Farm infrastructure is in great shape after many years of investment by Pamu to upgrade water systems and facilities, and to install up-to-date weed screening systems. “That process is ongoing,” says Jon. “Our aim is to make sure the farm is well-presented and tidy for Mana Ahuriri. Our weed conveyor is fully operational and we’re fencing off the 6.5km drain, as well as keeping up with regular maintenance and upkeep. “There are cameras installed so we can see the weed conveyor and pump shed. You can drop water levels and manage pumps very easily from your mobile phone or laptop.” In the lead-up to the anticipated ownership transfer, the station is easing back on cropping and ensuring there is a good platform of grass. Over the past two years, cropping has been spread around the farm and 600ha has been re-grassed into permanent pasture. Maize has been dropped altogether as it didn’t t the trading and nishing system. “Instead, we’ve moved to a larger area of squash. We’re still doing peas too but this year we also put in a bit of feed barley to retain on farm to feed the ewes pre tupping.” In Jon’s rst year at Ahuriri, the station traded 25,000 lambs but this year is dropping back to around 20,000. “Next year we will look at dropping ewe numbers too as we go into the handover process. We want to make that handover as easy as possible and not have too much pressure on the system.” Ahuriri typically stocks around 3250 5yo ewes but Jon says they will reduce that to around 2500 by the time of handover. Ahuriri held an open day in March and has long maintained good connections with the community. The Whakaharatanga walking trail is at the top end of the farm, which is also bounded by a state highway and residential areas. “Public perception is important to us and we have always had a lot of focus on that and managing the farm accordingly.” “That process is ongoing. Our aim is to make sure the farm is wellpresented and tidy for Mana Ahuriri. Our weed conveyor is fully operational and we’re fencing off the 6.5km drain, as well as keeping up with regular maintenance and upkeep.” WELL DRILLING EXPERTS FOR OVER 70 YEARS • Domestic and irrigation water wells • Bore services and development • Bore security • Camera inspections • Ground water surveying - SES • Full consultancy services available 06 844 2167 | hugh@baylisbros.co.nz | www.baylisbroswelldrillers.co.nz 0274 835 027 m.webster@xtra.co.nz We can help you from hanging up a picture frame to building your dream home! Do not hesitate to contact us today for any rural work too. 8 Angus Place, Onekawa, Napier 4110 Post Box 577, Napier 4112, New Zealand Mobile: 027 609 9050 | Of ce: 06 843 8805 darren@napiereng.co.nz | www.napiereng.co.nz NAPIER ENGINEERING & CONTRACTING Problems with weed buildup in your pump station grates? Give us a call to discuss our automatic weed removal conveyors.
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