14 | Environmental plan Sue Russell Robbie Schaw, manager of Arohiwi Station, an hour or so inland from Napier has been in the role nearly two years. Asked, late April, how the weather-gods had been behaving Robbie says that a combination of not enough sun and too much rain has affected pasture quality. “When this happens its hard to keep condition up on the stock,” Robbie explains. And stock numbers are impressive, with 7000 Romney ewes and 400 Angus cows. About 90% of all progeny is nished at the farm with the balance sold store. Arohiwi Station is owned by Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC) and the story of how this extensive property came into its possession is compelling. Known as The People’s Station, half of Laura Mitchell (nee Holt’s) shares in the property were gifted to PSEC 40 years ago. Laura’s grandfather, Robert Holt, was the original owner of Arohiwi. Then in 1991, upon Laura’s passing she bequeathed her remaining shares to PSEC, giving the organisation a 50% stake in the property. Fast forward a further 20 years and in 2012, PSEC took over full ownership, with the intention that pro ts from its operation would go toward supporting the myriad of social/philanthropic causes PSEC is involved with. Most recently, the original footprint has been extended with the purchase of neighbouring farm Paige Hill Station. This additional 437ha brings the total area of Arohiwi Station to 1478ha, enabling it to carry stock at its current number. The governance structure links to PSEC with a Board of Directors overseeing Arohiwi’s operation. RURAL PEOPLE » Arohiwi Station “I link directly with John Cannon, who sits on the board,” Robbie says. Steering the pathway of the station’s future is a seven-year environmental plan, which has, as its goal, to see Arohiwi fully environmentally sustainable. Extensive fencing of water-ways is one activity underway and a new water system has been developed, linking 75 troughs to springs underground. “We have a lot of springs running through the farm, so there is considerable fencing to control stock away from them as well as riparian planting to aid water quality and beautify the environment.” Native plantings on lesser productive country as well as erosion prone areas along with some small pockets of pine trees planted in areas where there is suf cient access are all contained within the environmental plan. Most of the station is rolling land with a very small percentage of steeper terrain. When Rural North spoke with Robbie there was plenty of activity engaging the team including weaning calves, moving the lambs and weighing the steers ready to be sent to the works. Every year 40ha is planted in swedes, with the land then reinstated in grass, so over time, pasture is renewed across most of the farm. Robbie says a big part of the environmental plan was driven by PSEC wanting to be involved in the farm’s development. “We had a planting day and staff and volunteers of PSEC came out and helped.” Robbie is also keen to see the farm extend the careers of young people working on it. “That’s really important to me. That whoever works at Arohiwi has the opportunity to grow. That this farm is a vehicle to grow good people who can go on and reach their own farming goals out the other end.” “That’s really important to me. That whoever works at Arohiwi has the opportunity to grow. That this farm is a vehicle to grow good people who can go on and reach their own farming goals out the other end.” Arohiwi Station is owned by Presbyterian Support East Coast (PSEC). Ngatarawa Rd, Hastings. 027 243 5330 e: kingstonfarming@gmail.com Proud to be associatedwithArohiwi Station Simon & Melissa Turner 06 839 8644 GLENHOPE ROMNEY Proud to supply Romney Rams to Arohiwi Station .co.nz When you want us there.. we’ll get in the air! 06 835 9450 aerospread.co.nz When it comes to Motorcycles Hastings Honda is your first stop in Hawkes Bay for Farm Quads, Side by Side's, 2 Wheeler's, Road Bikes, Motocross Bikes, Scooters & Commuters.
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