The public is invited to spend some time exploring Matakanui Station - winners of the National Farm Environmental awards for Otago, this Wednesday.

Owners Andrew and Tracy Paterson have opened up their farm for a field day to share their story on how they have transformed the land over the years.

Organised by the New Zealand Environment Trust, the 5300ha station has been in the family since 1958, and the couple took it over in 2014, having worked there since the turn of the century.

As well as celebrating their success, the open day was on opportunity for people to engage with industry representatives and the farming community.

Before the event kicked off with free lunch at 12:30pm, people were invited to spend the morning at the Orkney (Thomsons) wetland, 15 minutes drives from Matakanui Station (11-1pm).

Two weeks later on May 27, Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard (also the Associate Minister of Agriculture), will be special guest at the one year anniversary celebration of the wetland project - hosted by Waiora Manuherekia.

The Patersons have 6.3ha of wetlands restored and partially planted on their property as well, and an additional 24ha set for protection this year. 

In collaboration with their neighbour, they were protecting 132ha of alpine totara forest under a QEII Trust covenant, recognising its significance as the largest known stand of its kind in Central Otago. 

Tracy said the forest was regenerating, even as they continued to farm, and some of the trees were three to five metres tall, with new ones coming through as well.

The public will get to see the significant investment in irrigation, fencing and pasture development on the property as part of the open day.

For more information on Wednesday’s open day contact Camille McAtamney at [email protected]

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