48 | Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Marangai Station Major commitment to sustainable farming They achieved accreditation for Net Carbon Zero, NZFAP+ Gold, and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) accreditation. Rosa Watson Since purchasing Marangai Station in the Mangapakeha Valley/Tinui 18 years ago, Pattie and Tony O’Boyle have made sustainability a true focus of the operation. Farming 4,000 ewes and 220 beef cows on the 1,177ha (870ha effective) station, the couple have achieved accreditation for Net Carbon Zero, NZFAP+ Gold, and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) accreditation. This year they won the Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Farm Award and Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award, and were named a finalist in the Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environmental Awards (BFEA). Pattie says this latest achievement was incredibly humbling. “It’s recognition not just of Tony and me, but of the whole Marangai Station team, who work hard every day to care for the land, livestock, and each other, and for all those who have gone before.” She says it reinforced that the station’s long-term vision and approach - combining productivity, strong business acumen, industry leadership, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Preparing for the BFEA involved reviewing every aspect of the station’s operation, from biodiversity projects, stream restoration and native plantings to livestock management, compliance, and staff development. “It’s a chance to reflect on how our whole-offarm approach works and how our decisions impact the environment, our team, and the wider community. “It was a great opportunity to get very clear on what’s special here at Marangai, and why that matters.” The challenge was trying to condense and articulate the passion, the unique biodiversity and knowledge from more than 35 years’ farming while traversing 1200 hectares in a three-hour judging slot, she says. Their visual presentation and spoken commentary gave the judges a clear understanding of the property, farming operation, care for the unique biodiversity that includes volcanoes, rare native orchids, virgin native bush stands, riparian plantings, and swarms of eels. “We loved discussing the ways we are progressing the linking of the exceptional sustainability metrics of this property and farming business to higher value in-market opportunities. “We chose to highlight how we are linking Marangai’s nature-based accreditations, biodiversity standouts, animal welfare excellence and key environmental measures to greater market returns.” She says it is important that the climate positive story of Marangai, and stories of similar properties, are not lost. “The guardianship of the land comes from people living on the land, not with absentee owners or part time overseers. There has already been significant shrinkage of New Zealand’s hill country farmland, and with that, access to and knowledge of its special biodiversity, geological features and social history.” Initiatives introduced by the couple include a solar-powered water reticulation system, low-emission breeding strategies, climate-resilient infrastructure, and regular measuring and monitoring of Marangai’s precious soil, water, and unique biodiversity. Exotic trees are being replaced with native plantings to restore and extend ecological corridors, protect river tributaries, and build resilience against flooding and erosion. Key natural features are being protected, including native bush remnants, rare orchids like Gastrodia cooperae, mud volcanoes, and heritage sites. “We work closely with the science and education community by providing everday observations as well as access to the property’s unique, ecological and geological features. “It’s not uncommon to be welcoming school students, PhD students (and their supervisors) local conservation students, paleontologists, botanists, geologists, land scientists, and others from likes of Wellington Gardens, Te Papa, and Greater Wellington each year.” Pattie says this has helped everyone involved understand and enhance biodiversity, soil health, and farm resilience, while maintaining strong productivity. It is a privilege to be living and farming at Marangai, she says. “We take that privilege very seriously.” The station was first established as a working farm in 1899, and the care and guardianship over the years is evident, Pattie says. “Historically, it’s been a mixed sheep and beef farming operation, but we’ve sought to evolve it into a modern, sustainable operation that strategically balances productivity with environmental stewardship. “Our aim is to leave the farm and farming business in better heart for future generations, supporting both the land, the community around it and NZ Inc.” To grow, local businesses need local partners That’s why we have over 100 Agribusiness Partners nationwide. 07 377 6380 | info@bfa.co.nz | www.bfa.co.nz Partner with BFA and let our expert agri advisory team help you achieve awardwinning results in your farming business. 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