Our Farm
Situated in a unique micro-climate, Waikirikiri is a showcase of traditional natural systems working hand-in-hand with modern ecological monitoring.
The Property at a Glance
Waikirikiri sits where rolling coastal hills meet open pasture and the steady flow of the stream below. From the first light over the paddocks to the long shadows at day's end, the property has a quiet rhythm shaped by wind, water, and the movement of the herd.
This is working land — paddocks, treelines, and waterways managed as one living system. Every decision we make starts with what the land needs: healthy soil, clean water, and pastures that recover season after season.
Where Sea Breezes Meet Fertile Soils
Waikirikiri Farm is nestled beside the coastal hills. This unique location receives nutrient-rich ocean breezes that naturally season our soils, resulting in highly palatable, trace-element-dense pastures.
The river itself provides a natural boundary and pure hydration. Our soils are carefully mapped and monitored to ensure we never over-graze, keeping the biological soil crusts intact and healthy.
100% Grass-Based Rotational Grazing
Unlike industrial farming models that rely heavily on imported grain and synthetic supplements, our animals feed exclusively on fresh pasture. We cultivate a diverse mix of rye grass, clover, chicory, and plantain.
We utilize intensive rotational grazing. Our herd moves to a fresh section of pasture every day, allowing grazed paddocks a long recovery period (30–60 days). This mimics natural herd movements, building deep root systems that capture atmospheric carbon.
Zero Synthetic Fertilizers: We build soil nitrogen using legumes (clover) and biological composting.
Drought Resilience: Our deep-rooting plants reach deep water tables, keeping pastures green through summers.
Scenes From the Land
A growing collection of moments from across the property — tap any image to view it full-size.
Three Generations of Guardianship
From the first homestead to today's thriving ecological systems, the Waikirikiri story is one of steady, patient care for the land.
The First Generation
The family settles beside the Waikirikiri stream, establishing the original homestead and the first grass paddocks on the coastal hills.
Second Generation Stewardship
The next generation takes over, fencing the first waterway margins and beginning the shift toward rotational grazing systems.
Riparian Restoration Begins
The first large-scale native planting programme starts along the stream banks — sedges, flaxes, and shrubs that still filter our water today.
100% Grass-Based Certification
The farm completes its transition to a fully grass-fed system with zero synthetic fertilisers, building soil nitrogen through clover and composting.
12,000 Native Trees
A milestone in the treelane programme: over twelve thousand natives planted, creating wildlife corridors that link forest fragments across the farm.
Tiaki for the Future
Three generations on, we continue to measure success by the health of our water, soil, animals, and people — guardianship without end.