June 26, 2014
Ngati Kuri leases Te Paki Station
Northernmost iwi Ngati Kuri has formally taken over the country’s northernmost farm, Te Paki Station.
Chairperson Harry Burkhardt says many of the elders who turned up for a blessing on the site had lived and worked on the 3300 hectare sheep and beef station when agriculture was more labour-intensive.
The iwi took control of the land when the previous lease terminated rather than waiting for full ownership that will come after its settlement is passed by Parliament.
Mr Burkhardt says the Te Paki area and Te Rerenga Wairua or Cape Reinga is culturally significant to the iwi.
Stocking levels are currently low, but the iwi owns 6000 ewes and aims to double its herd of about 750 quality-bred Angus breeding cows.
The farm will be run a breeding unit before stock is shifted about 50 kilometres south to Ngati Kuri’s Wharekapua Station, which will produce quality feed to finish the lambs and steers.
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