Page 114 - Hereford Magazine 2021

Getting over jetlag in Northland

The tour group visiting Matapouri Stud.

Words and photos: Lorraine Clements

n pre-Covid-19 days at the beginning of March, the
Northland Hereford Club welcomed 19 overseas
breeders who had opted for the ‘Get over your jet
lag tour’ before the start of the 2020 World Hereford
IConference. After flying into Kerikeri, the visitors
were based in Paihia for a combination of visiting studs and
experiencing the scenic Bay of Islands.
On day one, the visitors headed south to the Matapouri Stud
run by the Clements Family, where they viewed sale bulls,
R2 heifers, and R3 heifers with calves at foot. Northland club
members turned out to welcome the guests, who included Matapouri Stud cattle.
the Irish youth team. The afternoon was spent back in Paihia
cruising the bay, visiting the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds,
and resting and relaxing.
Day two in the mid-north saw the first signs that Northland’s
drought may be starting to break at last, with a cooler,
showery day. Raincoats and umbrellas came out for the first
stop at the Te Puna Stud of Cam and Carolyn Gerrard. The sale
bulls made a great display, and cows with autumn-born calves
were of interest to the overseas breeders.
A visit to Puketi Forest followed, where an enthusiastic local
guide added to the interest of the bushwalk and made for a
memorable visit. Then it was on to Kerikeri for lunch, and an
opportunity to experience more New Zealand history with a
visit to The Stone Store.
The tour then travelled to the Kaeo district and the
Waimaire/Otengi Studs of the Shepherd family. Paul Shepherd Irish youth and Kiwi experience at Te Puna Stud.

Deep in discussion at Te Puna Stud.

112 HEREFORD MAGAZINE Year 2021