Dairy Sector Drives Strong Rural Property Market Activity in NZ
The latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reveals a mixed rural property market due to consistent inflation concerns.
A 202ha, FLAT, dry-stock farm, described as one of the most admired in the Wairarapa, sold under the hammer last week at $5.61 million, well in excess of its $4.8 million 2011 government valuation.
Brought to the market by Gary Scott of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Masterton, and sold at auction on May 8, the property, 'The Grange', is situated between Masterton and Carterton.
Gary Scott said around 60 people attended the auction.
"Bidding was brisk with five different bidders, including two parties bidding by phone. In the end, as often occurs with rural real estate, the successful purchaser was a neighbouring farmer who intends to consolidate 'The Grange' with his existing property, which is used for cropping and lamb finishing.
"At that price, the property exceeded the reserve and also surpassed most people's expectations, leaving both vendor and purchaser satisfied with the outcome," he said.
Scott sys, over the past 12 months, local rural property values have firmed and the number of sales has risen.
Described as a multi-use property, with capacity for finishing, breeding, cropping or dairy support, 'The Grange' features a 13-year-old, four-bedroom, two-storey homestead, and was in the hands of the previous owner for about 20 years.
Growers and farmers are being encouraged to have an important conversation before the coming season starts: how to prolong the effectiveness of the crop protection tools they rely on.
A new digital assistant is now helping Ballance Agri-Nutrients farmers speed up nutrient information and ordering.
New Zealand apple and pear industry stakeholders are out in force for the annual conference in Queenstown.
Cameron Reed lives between two worlds.
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.

A fair question has been raised about how member-funded organisations should conduct themselves when taking a public position on any…
OPINION: It really is getting harder to lampoon government bureaucrats when they do such a good job of it themselves.…