A Te Ākau coastal property sold recently, signalling an important step forward for a multi-generational Waikato farming family.
Jamie Andrews and Jacqui Wright originally met as high school sweethearts, a relationship strengthened by their shared commitment to farming. In 2019, to fully establish themselves as farm owners, they took a big risk to buy the 504-hectare Te Ākau property. By giving it everything, they made it work. Now, with the wider family dynamic changing, they’ve sold the farm and are moving back to focus on Jacqui’s parents’ Pukekawa farm.
“We put our hearts and souls into it, and although it is for the best, selling brings out the emotions,” says Jacqui of the Te Ākau property.
Meeting in 2003 in the sixth form at Tuakau College, the couple had a clear idea of their future together, though they knew they would only achieve that if they put the effort in.“If you want something you have to focus on it. We were never afraid of hard work,” says Jamie.
After finishing school, he went dairy farming, shearing and fencing, then the couple established an earthmoving business.
Several years on, aged 33 and looking for their own place to complement the property they leased from her parents, Jacqui first set eyes on the Te Ākau farm.
“Although I thought it was a bit far away, Jacqui saw the opportunity,” says Jamie.
Going back for a second look, along with Jacqui’s parents Ray and Sindy, was the deciding factor.
“They were our biggest support, giving us confidence in our own ability to farm. I clearly remember Ray standing at the cattle yards saying: ‘You could step into this place and make it work,’” recalls Jamie.
However, after the bank saw the farm’s prospects in a less positive light, they had to use every available asset as security.
“To get the deal across the line, we had to think again. We went all in. Everything we owned, the finance company took a hold on, which left a heavy weight sitting on our shoulders.”
Once they’d bought, they wasted no time putting their own mark on the farm, reconfiguring around new laneways, fencing and sheds. They also built an equestrian arena, enabling Jacqui to continue her passion for showjumping, and particularly schooling young horses.
“We set about making the improvements during an extremely stressful time. Everyone was coming through COVID-19, interest rates were high and the farming sector was taking a hit. Initially it was a stretch. More recently, with returns for red meat so good, it’s all paid off,” says Jamie.
They’re especially proud of the genetic advances they’ve made with their stock over the past seven years, improving bloodlines and achieving performances beyond expectation for a coastal farm.
With three young children, Lillyana, Delilah and Lachlan, now aged 13, eight and four, Jacqui and Jamie made the most of the coast on their doorstep, fishing and camping on the beach, as well as passing on their love of farming.
“Lachlan is four years old, though already has 10 years’ experience farming. All three have had a taste. They’ve all had lambing beats since they were little. He lambed his first ewe when he was three,” says Jamie.
With Jamie and Jacqui leasing the Pukekawa farm from Ray and Sindy, and all three generations keen to be nearer to each other, they had to decide where to locate the family: either at Te Ākau or Pukekawa.
In the end ‘home base’ won out, and they brought in Adrian van Mil of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Pukekohe, to conduct the marketing campaign for the Te Ākau farm.
“This is classic sheep and beef finishing country in a truly outstanding coastal setting, with comprehensive infrastructure and high-quality improvements: a slice of real Kiwi farming, alongside abundant recreation,” says Adrian.
The property was offered by tender, and with commodity prices strong, interest in the farm was excellent, including enquiry from Australia and the United States. By the tender date, multiple offers had been received, the best of which was from a syndicate of local farmers.
“Although the farm has exceptional appeal, and the sale was completed within a couple of months, it’s not just a picture postcard. Any serious purchasers needed to understand the location, which is how the sale went,” he says.
Jacqui and Jamie’s commitment to the farm paid off.
“While they didn’t initially intend to sell so soon, it was their dream to have a farm. They chose a difficult time to buy, and at first had to work hard. However, this was an excellent sale for them, and the family is now in a strong position for the next chapter in life.”
And the purchasers have told them they are welcome to return, with the children, to make more memories on the beach that neighbours the farm.
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