Dairy farm sale of the century in Waipu

With only two dairy farm sales in the small rural coastal Northland town of Waipu this century, the forthcoming auction of a high-producing dairy unit with Fonterra shares close to beaches and 1 hour 20 minutes from Auckland city is a significant offering to the market.

Clear instructions from the vendors and an auction date of 2 September indicate a strong motivation to sell and with farms usually tightly-held by families in this high-value area, this is a rare opportunity for motivated buyers.

Tony Grindle and Geoff Carr of Bayleys Northland’s country team are marketing the mixed contour 237.96ha property in Finlayson Brook Road which has 153 ha effective.

“With no family succession plan in place, the vendors of this medium-input dairy unit are reluctantly selling but are realistic and definitely looking to move on. The farm has been in the family since 1954 so has benefitted from constant custodianship,” says Tony Grindle.

“The property has been farmed with long-term vision and a sound business plan. This is not your flat, square, factory-style dairy unit – far from it. This property has got real character, good shape and contour, stony bottom streams, native bush and in the current ‘green’ climate that we find ourselves in, an aesthetic property like this has very definite appeal.

“The prized Northland location just 45kms south of Whangarei and an easy drive from Auckland means the property is future-proofed given the popularity of the wider Waipu-Bream Bay area and the recreational-lifestyle opportunities that it offers.”

Recent soil tests bear testimony to well-drained quality, fertile clay and silt loams which produce robust pasture.

The milking platform is divided into 83 paddocks with a high standard of fencing, while a further four paddocks are reserved for young stock or dry cows.

“The property features a very good water supply sourced from tributaries emerging from the native bush on the south-facing side of the State Forest. Gin-clear is a good description of the water which is gravity-fed to troughs in every paddock,” says Mr Grindle.

Sound access ways and internal races streamline stock movement and contribute to efficiencies on the property.

For the past five years, the owners have been operating as a split calving farm with approximately 320 straight Friesian or predominantly Friesian-cross cows. The farm is being sold with a Fonterra share-holding of 105,000 fully-paid Fonterra shares.

“The property lends itself to an equity partnership or shared farming and as it is held in multiple titles, there is flexibility around ownership structures,” says Mr Grindle.

“Dairy farms do not usually come to the market in winter but we know there are well-qualified buyers out there waiting for a sound opportunity. Buyers from around the country recognise the unique attributes that Northland farms offer and are prepared to move for the right property. Buying now means they will get the jump on the market.”

The farm infrastructure is well-maintained and includes a very efficient 20-aside herringbone dairy shed with Alpha milking plant. An easily accessible calf-rearing facility is well-situated away from predominant winds and there are two hay barns and good implement sheds.

With two homes on the property plus a workers’ cottage, living arrangements are flexible and could accommodate a manager on-site while leaving accommodation available for an absentee owner(s) for weekend and holiday use.

Waipu is steeped in Celtic culture and the town has a population around 1500. The Waipu Cove and Bream Bay area is defined by pristine white sand beaches ideal for swimming, surfing and diving, while other recreational pursuits include pig hunting and golf at the links course just north of Waipu.