Amalgamation of Operiki Station

AWHI’s 420-hectare Operiki Station on the Whanganui river has been dissolved and amalgamated into two surrounding larger farms.

The decision was taken for economic and environmental reasons, says Andrew Beijeman, CEO of Ātihau- Whanganui Incorporation.

“Operiki farm was very disjointed as it was made up of two blocks half an hour apart from each other,” he says. “We decided to amalgamate each block with its neighbouring farm – Papahaua and Waipuna – which will make the land and stock in each block more economical to manage.”

Operiki had slowly been reducing stock numbers over the years to ensure profitability, plus the terrain of the farm was not ideally suited to farming livestock.

“Most of the whenua is steep and easily eroded by cattle,” says Andrew. “We have retired land with the intention of wither planting in Mānuka, or allowing to regenerate naturally. Honey production from this site has been very pleasing in consequence.”

The decision was made in March and it was a quick process to implement as no stock needed moving. Operiki was worked by just one farm manager, who had already been promoted within the Incorporation.