58 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Ranginui Station Ranginui station a unique Maori business Most of the farm’s development was done back in 2008 when drystock farms were converted to dairy. Richard Loader Just south of Mangakino, an hour from Rotorua, forty minutes from Taupo and thirty-five minutes from Tokoroa, Ranginui Station’s remoteness can make it a challenging property to attract staff, yet the opportunity for industry development and be part of a successful farming operation is aplenty Established in 2008, Ranginui Station Ltd Partnership (Ranginui) is a unique Maori business in that it is owned by four investors — majority shareholders Pouakani Trust and Raukawa Iwi Development Ltd — and two minor shareholders — The Maori Trustee and Lake Taupo Forest Trust. Embracing 2489 hectares of predominantly flat to rolling countryside, the South Waikato property incorporates three dairy units, a dry stock block and plantation forestry. Not every paddock can be mowed for silage, and good grazing management is required to ensure good pasture quality is maintained, especially on the rolling contour. Most of the farm’s development was done back in 2008 when drystock farms were converted to dairy. Since then it has been about improving the farm infrastructure with a lot of time and money spent on staff housing, races and fencing. Farm Supervisor Mark Johnston says all the major rivers and streams have been fenced off with smaller waterways and drains now being fenced and riparian planted. Ranginui features some steeper ground, land that is difficult to access and muster stock, and some areas have a small bluff. Wherever there is potential for stock to be injured, those areas have been retired from grazing. “I’ve been involved in the business for the past six years and we’ve been progressively working out best land use options. There’s definitely some steeper land on the dairy farms that are not conducive to milking cows. That land has been retired from grazing and put into forestry.” Full 24 hour Veterinary care Caring for all creatures great and small - Best Practice Veterinary Care The greatest asset we can offer you as a veterinary practice is our team of veterinarians, qualified nurses and support staff. Tokoroa & Districts Veterinary Services Tokoroa Clinic Ashworth Street, Tokoroa • Ph 07 886 6119 Whakamaru Clinic 8 Tihoi Rd, Whakamaru • Ph 07 882 8094 www.tokvets.nz “Build it once build it Wright” Is it time for a new farm building? {BUILT WRIGHT CONSTRUCTION} We can cater to all your farm needs. Central North Island PH/FAX: 07 378 1580 MOB: 0275 659 421 EMAIL: built-wright-construction@xtra.co.nz ∙ Housing ∙ Dairy Parlour ∙ Silage bunker ∙ Poleshed ∙ Farm buildings ∙ Feed Pad ∙ Portacom ∙ Chiller Authorised Chapman Dairy™ Contractor Built Wright can design and build your next top quality project The Backing & Top Gate Experts Existing Gate Up Grades & New Gate Installations New Zealand Wide For over 25 years Reporoa Engineering continue to lead the way in Backing Gate Technology. Quality robust construction and clever designs provide New Zealand farmers high performance in the yard from day one.
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