| 91 Sailing dreams lead to egg-cellent venture Perched on the clifftops overlooking Te Waewae Bay, Te Waewae Eggs is not your average farm. The Penns’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond animal welfare. Karen Phelps Rob and Anna Penn’s dream of sailing around the world has led them to establish Southland’s largest free-range egg farm. Now, as they prepare to set sail, the couple is on the brink of putting their thriving business, Te Waewae Eggs, on the market. Perched on the clifftops overlooking Te Waewae Bay, Te Waewae Eggs is not your average farm. With 3,000 Brown Shaver chickens enjoying panoramic views of crashing waves, it’s a testament to the Penns’ innovative approach to agriculture and business. “The dream was always to go sailing around the world and the business was the way for us to achieve this,” Rob Penn explains. “I have a sailing background, and Anna comes from a sailing family. We have a 40-foot ocean-going yacht in Nelson.” The couple moved to Southland after the Canterbury earthquakes to the 24ha farm by the sea. Starting with a few chickens on their property, they quickly realised the demand for eggs outstripped their supply. “We were selling gate eggs from chickens we had and we never had enough to meet demand,” Rob recalls. “So we decided to start a chicken farm.” In a whirlwind six months from June to December 2019, the Penns went from researching chicken farming to transforming their land into a haven for their feathered friends and having their first eggs on supermarket shelves. Te Waewae Eggs quickly gained a reputation for quality and sustainability. The farm sources grain locally and mills it on-site, creating custom feed mixes. In an innovative twist, they recycle used cooking oil from the cafes they supply, incorporating it into the chicken feed. Rob’s engineering skills have been put to good use on the farm, including making the solar powered coops, while Anna’s background as a nurse and bird fanatic sees her keep a close eye on animal welfare. Their approach has paid off. Te Waewae Eggs now supplies the majority of cafes in Invercargill and boasts a waiting list for its products. The success is not just about the eggs; it’s about the entire ecosystem they’ve created. “Our reputation is second to none,” Rob says. “We are the biggest free-range egg grower in Southland. We have spent a lot of time on our branding and customer relations. We don’t just sell eggs; we give a service.” The Penns’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond animal welfare. They use reusable plastic trays for deliveries, creating zero waste. Their carbon footprint is minimised by delivering locally only twice a week, RURAL SERVICES » Te Waewae Eggs We specialise in daily baked homemade sweet treats and sandwiches, and good old-fashioned service with a smile. The home of the world famous cheeserolls. Garden Café Open: 7.30am – 4pm, 7 days. | Ph: (03) 215 8101 and their egg cartons are made from recyclable materials. As they prepare to put the farm on the market, Rob is keen to emphasise the opportunity it represents. “It could even suit someone who has not farmed before,” he says. “I will work with them to guide them into the business and farm. Someone with no experience could walk in here, and they would be earning good money instantly. It’s a strong lifestyle business that you can live really well off.” The sale includes what Rob describes as “a lot of intellectual property” including the Te Waewae trademark and a strong local customer base of cafes and retailers. As Rob and Anna prepare to trade their chicken coops for ship cabins, they leave behind a legacy of innovation in Southland’s agricultural sector. Their journey from aspiring sailors to successful farmers and back again is a testament to their adaptability and vision. Caffeinating Invercargill's economy since 2011 Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant Proudly Supporting Te Waewae Eggs 173 Spey Street, Invercargill, New Zealand | 03 214 6357 | thebatchcafe@xtra.co.nz @thebatchcafe
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