Cows, cocktails, comradeship, and charity

A Short History is the story of the Waikato Farmers Trust, a charitable organisation which provides support to individuals and community initiatives throughout rural Waikato.

The Trust, which has origins dating back almost eight decades, emerged out of the Waikato Federated Farmers and is a generous contributor to rural initiatives, including the Life Education Trust, Graham Dingle Foundation, Rural Youth & Literacy Trust, House of Science, and several rural industry and environmental awards programmes. 

Paeroa dairy farmer and chair of the Waikato Farmers Trust, Conall Buchanan says documenting the story of the Trust and its visionary leadership over the years is valuable.

“The Tower at 169 London Street is a recognisable landmark of Hamilton’s urban infrastructure, but it’s also our anchor asset and has enabled us to provide financial support for rural communities, education initiatives, and leadership development.”

Extensive interviews, archival research, and invaluable support from the Hamilton City Libraries has brought to the fore stories filled with colour, characters, cocktails, and cows.

“It’s a story of foresight, tenacity and sheer hard effort over the years by many individuals and communities,” says Buchanan.

“The history of the Trust and how it came to be, wasn’t well known, even among our farming community. We’ve recorded the Trust’s establishment, the challenges it has faced, the contributions of so many, and the ongoing charitable outreach we are committed to providing.”

The 52-page publication showcases the changing landscape of Hamilton city, describes the impact of policy, procedural and political change, and reinforces the role both Waikato Federated Farmers and the Waikato Farmers Trust have played – and continue to play – for the benefit of Waikato’s rural community.

“The Trust has ambitious plans to continue to support rural Waikato and we’re in a strong place to do so,” says Buchanan. “Understanding our past helps us to chart our future. We owe much of what we’ve been able to achieve to those who had the foresight to establish this Trust so many years ago. This history ensures their efforts are acknowledged.”

Copies of the publication are available for purchase via the Waikato Farmers Trust: www.waikatofarmerstrust.org.nz/history.

Complimentary copies have been sent to all Waikato Federated Farmers members.