Welcome to the second installment of a new fortnightly spotlight on the diverse and interesting people that make Central their home.

Sisters Amanda Grant and Olivia Thomas and their spouses Yohann and Devin own and operate Parkside Farm, 175 ha of rolling terraces in the picturesque Ida Valley.

It has been six months so far of the two families living and working together - their plan is to cater to the local community and follow a ‘paddock to plate’ approach. 

Frenchman Yohann Bourdin and wife Amanda left Wānaka after 12 years and made the move to combine their skills with Amanda’s sister and brother in law (Olivia and Devin Thomas) in a life and business venture.

“We wanted to find a farm for space, we couldn't afford Wānaka and we ended up in Central.

“Maybe it was a bit of a mid-life crisis and combination of too many wines, we [talked] about how to combine our skills and [decided] farming differently would be the way for us.”

Yohann said everyone has a different area of expertise to bring to the business. 

Olivia is a whizz at the accounts and administration, Devin is practical, can build or fix anything, manages the livestock, and Amanda who grew up on a sheep and deer farm also helps to look after the animals and animal welfare.

His own background is in tourism, marketing and business management. 

The farm has 1500 free range hens, who produce approximately 8000 eggs a week.

Yohann said the business was going “more than well” and he would like another 2000 birds.

“We started small… but now we’re from Waipiata to Wānaka and our eggs are on the shelf two days after they get laid.”

They have grazing sheep and beef on the farm and plan to introduce an agri-tourism glamping component later this year.

A resource consent for six units (a maximum of 12 guests) has been granted and Yohann has dome tents on order.

He wants to build three over winter and all going to plan have glamping on offer by summer.

Going into business with family has been relatively easy for the couples, and although the chickens are a daily commitment, they strive for balance and to give each other a break when possible.

“We help each other as much as we can.”

“We’re all grown up, we live in the same house, we have a yarn and we make it work.”

Yohann said working together meant they all benefited and ended up being stronger. 

“Communication is key.”

He said they had fallen in love with the people in Central and the region.

“We’re amazed by the local support, people knew who we were before we moved in.”

Soon after their arrival last September, after a day spent in St Bathans the four returned home to find brownies, cookies and flowers on the table to welcome them to the community. 

“We knew what to expect from a small village … and we’ve been blown away.”

Check out the Parkside website for more information

Read more: Central Home: Meet the Dhakal family, from Nepal to Alexandra

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