2013 NZ Northern Tour Group
Around 40 breeders enjoyed the fantastic Northern hospitality on our Annual Tour & AGM in May.
Monday evening was a informal get-together allowing everyone to catch up with old and new friends.
On Tuesday morning, we all departed the Mercure Hotel, arriving at the home of Scott & Phillippa Innes for a lovely morning
tea, (there was so much food that we all wished that we had skipped breakfast that morning!) Next was a short walk or ride up the hill to the yards to inspect their ‘MANGAKURA’ stud.
We then headed to the Kaipara Flats Sports Club, via a short stop at the Atiu Creek Regional Park, where the local school provided a fantastic lunch for our group.
After lunch we headed to Warkworth to visit John & Sue Wynyard’s ‘MOOR END’ stud. After inspecting the stud, Blair Robertson hosted a Southdown ewe judging demonstration. This provided good input and discussion from the group.
The historic Puhoi Hotel was the refreshment stop on the way back to Auckland. What a wonderful old hotel full of character and collectables!
The Southdown NZ AGM & dinner were held that evening at the Mercure Hotel. We were very fortunate to have Mr Simon Erickson the Managing Director of The Neat Meat Company speak after the meeting, and during dinner Don Shuker spoke to us about his time as a Southdown breeder and his time as Chairman of the NZ Rugby Union.
Wednesday dawned another fine, sunny day and we left Auckland and headed to the Trousdale’s property at Ohinewai. We inspected Southdowns from Charles & Margaret Trousdale’s ‘MURVALE’ stud, Richard & Jane Trousdale’s ‘NGARURU’ stud and Jocelyn Charlestown’s ‘ASHBOURNE’ stud. The group were treated to a wonderful morning tea, yet again we wished we had not eaten breakfast!
Next stop was the Waitomo Hotel Lodge, our accommodation for the night. A fabulous old building. Most of the group took an afternoon tour of Waitomo caves with Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours. A truly brilliant experience with friendly, knowledgeable and helpful guides.
We departed Waitomo on Thursday morning and headed to Sandra & Kevin Johnston’s ‘RAWA’ stud at Pio Pio. We inspected their stud and enjoyed an early lunch before departing for Auckland airport and the end of the tour.
Many thanks to John, Charles and everyone that helped with the organising of the tour. Wonderful hospitality.
Below you can view some more photos (3 pages). Click to enlarge.
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