Developing land for production

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 97, 15 December 1970, Page 1

Developing land for production

Major land development is one of the many outlets for the Department of Maori and Island Affairs and through its efforts thousands of acres throughout the country are being brought into profitable production.

Two major development schemes in the Taupo area at present are at Opepe and Hurakia, where 12,000 and 5800 acres respectively are being worked. The schemes are administered by the department which in turn works in close harmony with various control and local bodies. The Opepe block was covered largely in self sown pine trees and manuka until two years ago when the Maori owners, over 500 of them, agreed to let the department develop it. That was two years ago. In the first year 1500 acres was grassed and about 1900 acres were brought in this year. The aim is to sow approximately another 1300 acres this autumn. The property has been watered and fenced, one house has been erected and two more will follow soon. By the end of this financial year $300,000 will have been spent on developing the block into an asset, a grassed property which will eventually be farmed for profit. The scheme is administered by the department and a small committee of owners. About 6000 acres will be brought into production and the remaining acreage will be

conserved. A good portion will be planted in radiata pine. The present rate of stocking is by 4285 breeding ewes, 4877 other sheep, including lambs, 377 breeding cows and 233 other cattle. The permanent resident manager, a man who is in complete charge on the ground, is Mr Guy Davey. Mr Mac Campbell, of Rotorua, is the department's field supervisor for the scheme and he comes under the control of the District Field Supervisor, Mr Frank Price, who also administers the Hurakai scheme. Conservation At Hurakia 4000 of the 5800 acres will be grassed and the remainder conserved or put into forest. The block was originally under seven titles but it was amalgamated into one and development commenced in November, 1969. Last autumn 1400 acres were sown in grass and 1600 to 1700 acres are now ready for sdwing. Another 1100 acres should be down by March next year. Stocking is 2258 hoggets, 152 two-year heifers and 112 other cattle. There is abundant supply of natural water on the property which is bisected by the Great West Taupo highway One house and the woolshed are completed and shearers' quarters should be in use by the end of March. The resident manager is Mr Beau Albert and Mr Eddie Mitchell, of Rotorua, is the field supervisor.