90 | nzdairy Early pioneers at heart of NZ’s heritage At the heart of New Zealand’s heritage are the stories of the early pioneers who cultivated and transformed the country’s untamed wild land into the rich agricultural industry that exists today. Many of their descendants continue to produce crops and livestock on the land with the same passion, hard work and perseverance shown in those early days. The New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards programme aims to capture and preserve this important rural history, which might otherwise be lost through the generations. The programme is based on a North American initiative and was launched by a volunteer committee in the small rural town of Lawrence in Otago in 2006. Now in its 19th year, the programme has claimed over 600 families from throughout New Zealand as part of its exclusive group of centenarians and sesquicentenarians. The New Zealand Century Farm and Station awards aim to preserve New Zealand’s pioneer heritage. Applications are now for open for 2024. Clockwise from, bottom left: the Robinson family, Lupton – wool horse cart, Vogan –Barry’s Bay Dairy Company picture, Coubrough. NZ CENTURY FARM & STATION AWARDS » Initially recipients were mainly from Otago / Southland but word has continued to spread throughout the country, with these days a fairly even split from the North and South Island. Eligible families submit narratives of their farm history, together with copies of related photographs and supporting documents which are then archived at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, ensuring all records are kept in perpetuity. A formal dinner in Lawrence each May honours the awardees and their significant achievement of 100 or more years in farming. It is a chance for recipients to meet each other and formally receive their distinctive bronze plaque and certificate to display on their property. Families enjoy the special night where many stories of hardship, perseverance and success over 100+ years are shared. The local community are very supportive of the event with local clubs and businesses getting involved to ensure guests are made to feel welcome and enjoy their stay in Lawrence. NZCFSA believes it is important that the personal sacrifices, perseverance and commitment of the previous generations are recognised, and invites all New Zealand farming families who have owned and worked their land for 100 years or more, to apply for a Century Farm, Century Station or Sesquicentennial (150 yr) award. Applications are now open for the 2024 year and any families that have owned their farms since 1923 or earlier are encouraged to apply. Closing deadline for applications is 30 November 2024. Application forms are available on their website – www.centuryfarms.nz
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