| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Affleck Blackhills View to the south and Hokonui Hills. a clear breech and less belly wool. The aim is to reduce costs and still have a good fleece.” Chris says the property’s contour and soil type have been major advantages over the years. “It’s generally a good grass growing area and holds on well during the summer,” he says. “We’d be one of the last places to dry out. Because of the rolling contour we don’t suffer from flooding, drainage is good.” He credits much of that to the work of his parents Dorothy and Tom. “They spent a lot of money and time putting in good drainage,” explains Chris. Chris is also heavily involved in the wider rural community. He is co-chair of the Waikaka Stream Catchment Group, vice-chairman of the Otama Rural Water Limited scheme (Tom was a chairperson for around 40 years) and president of the Waikaka Combined Sports Association. The catchment group has focused on improving environmental practices across local farms. “We have an interactive map that highlights critical areas that farmers should consider protecting to avoid soil erosion,” says Chris. “It’s about encouraging good management practice when it comes to winter grazing and soil cultivation.” He says working collectively has helped farmers respond to increasing environmental requirements. “If all farmers try to do it on their own individually it’s challenging, so as a group and being able to share ideas and information is a more productive way of coming up with solutions,” explains Chris. The family is also among shareholders in the community-owned Waikaka Hotel, established after locals banded together to keep the pub operating when it came up for sale. While the farm’s future ownership may soon change, Chris says the focus remains on ensuring the property is well positioned for whoever takes over next Pleased to support Affleck Blackhills Gore Queenstown Balclutha Wanaka Christchurch Alan Macdonald Erin Howes Caleb Macdonald Stephen Kornyei 03 209 0390 • info@mpltd.co.nz www.mpltd.co.nz • Drainage & Excavation • Gravel & Rock Supply • Site Works • Bulk & General Earthworks • Aggregate Cartage • High Pressure Drain Cleaning • Muck Spreading Ken Adams - 027 445 5813 Craig Ross - 027 224 4880 admin@k2kontracting.co.nz K2 KONTRACTING LTD
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