Your hosts: Ian, Joanna, Eileen, Ron, Jenny and Keith
Location: Matakana
Driving time: 55 minutes from Auckland CBD
After helping out his brother Keith down the road at Open Gates last year, Ian and his family are delighted to invite you to come and visit their own farm on November 10. Ian and Joanna, along with their three children Michelle, Andrew and Sid, live on the farm along with Ian’s parents Ron and Eileen. The family have been on this farm for more than 100 years, and Ian and Jo’s kids are the fifth generation to grow up in this idyllic spot.
The farm has native bush on the boundary and waterways home to native freshwater fish, including giant kōkopu, eels, kākahi (freshwater mussels) and kōura (freshwater crayfish). Ian and Jo’s kids catch these fish in the same spots that Ron used to as a child.
There will be a lot of activities to enjoy on the day. As well as showing you how they care for their herd of 330 cows, you’ll be able to see a milking demonstration in the shed that Ron built back in 1967 (Ian’s given it an upgrade but it’s still going strong). There will also be a walking tour of the farm for you to check out the views and enjoy the country air. So, bring the family, a picnic, and make a day of it!
Milking Demonstration
Bush or Wetland Walk
Sausage Sizzle
Vet Talk
Picnic Area
Effluent Management
Riparian Planting
QEII Bush
Monitoring Systems
Fencing Waterways
Farm Environmental Plans