Reviving a kiwifruit orchard and renovating a classic rural home has been an 11-year labour of love for a Bay of Plenty couple, one that they have now successfully concluded by offering the property for sale.
When Katrina and Ian Gibbs bought the 13-hectare Paengaroa property in 2013, moving out from Papamoa, they wanted to experience rural life.
“We fell in love with it and could see what potential it had. We started off grazing the land, with over 50 ewes and lambs. Over time we cleared it and used the existing kiwifruit structures to plant and develop our crop of green kiwifruit. Although we had no experience, with great support and helpful neighbours we learned an incredible amount, which has allowed us to improve our production each year,” says Katrina.
Over several years they planted 1500 vines to create a 1.76 canopy hectare orchard in two separate plantings, with four metre spacings. In its first full production season, this year, the orchard produced 22,000 trays.
Katrina and Ian both have careers off the property, though
also work on the orchard, which they manage in conjunction with Seeka.
“We work out what we want to do, and what they need to do. It’s a good partnership,” says Katrina.
Just finished, refurbishment of the home has been another long-term task that Katrina and Ian have greatly enjoyed.
“We’ve put in a new bathroom, kitchen, and laundry, and while the house didn’t have carpet for a few years, it does now.”
With the house renovation and the orchard revival largely complete, the Gibbs are ready for a new challenge so have engaged Dave and Karen McLaren of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Te Puke to sell the property, which is 36 kilometres southeast of Tauranga and 14 kilometres southeast of Te Puke. Dave describes it as a special offering.
“Katrina and Ian have brought out the potential of the property, presenting it as a highly desirable, multi-dimensional proposition, providing all the most sought-after lifestyle attributes, including revenue generation from the orchard. For a new owner, this is an outstanding opportunity for further horticultural development, agricultural ventures, and a multitude of future opportunities in a peaceful rural lifestyle setting.
“Sitting at 34 metres above sea level, the location and altitude lends itself to conversion of the orchard by cutting over and grafting on higher producing varieties such as the lucrative Gold G3, an investment that a new owner would be well advised to consider.
“Beautifully renovated throughout, the large five-bedroom and now fully modernised home is well positioned in a sheltered spot to enjoy all day sun, with about half the footprint than if it had been more recently constructed, while its large, covered deck is perfect for entertaining,” says Dave.
Birdlife is a particular feature, including kereru, tui, a pair of nesting hawks, and other native species, while glow worms live in the property’s bush.
Well fenced into 10 paddocks of varying sizes, the grazing land provides ample space for livestock or to exercise horses. Katrina and Ian have run weaners and calves.
“We have 10 calves at the moment, which the property can hold for up to two years.”
Always a townie before, Katrina is now fully sold on rural life.
“Before we moved here, although Ian had more of that experience, I had nothing. Now I just love living in the country, I love the space, the trees, and the birds, and am fully converted from a townie to a rural dweller.
“Although it has been hard work, we have enjoyed working together to get it to the point we are happy with, and to really put our stamp on it. While we’ll be sad to move on, it is time for a new challenge,” she says.
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