About Hewlett Point Farm
For seven generations, our family has farmed the south side of the Whangārei Harbour. Over 150 years, this land and harbour have shaped not just how we farm, but who we are. It’s a place we feel deeply connected to, and one we’re committed to looking after for the generations still to come.
We’re just beginning our regenerative farming journey with respect to grazing, however have farmed naturally for over a decade. We don’t use synthetic fertilisers or sprays, choosing instead to support our soils with minerals like lime, alongside seaweed and fish-based inputs. We’re noticing quite a population of dung beetles, who also help improve soil health.
Our sheep and cattle live in a calm, low-stress environment, with plenty of shelter and space to behave naturally. We mainly farm Romney sheep — a traditional dual-purpose breed — with lambs now largely Romney-Suffolk crosses, using Suffolk rams bred by Jasper, aged 14 and proudly the seventh generation on the farm. Our cattle are Hereford cows crossed with an Angus bull, producing quiet, well-grown calves that suit both our land and our values.
This is a long-held family place, and while our regenerative journey is just getting underway, our commitment to caring for this land and producing honest food runs deep.
Kaitiaki
Kaitiaki, or guardianship, is probably the word that best fits how we feel about the land, harbour and animals we dwell on and amongst. Preserving it for future generations, we like to think of our farm as a place of peace and plenty. We hope this philosophy is reflected in our products.
Improvements
As guardians, we are consistently trying to improve our environment and practices for the benefit of all forms of life on our farm, including soil biology. This includes tree planting, grazing methods and using natural inputs, resulting in healthy animals and healthy people.
Connection
We’re all in this together, all part of the same ecosystem. We believe that farmers having a connection with the consumer is an important aspect of this. The model made possible by mobile abattoirs helps our produce can stay local. It also means that after caring for our animals to the best of our ability, they don’t have to travel to an industrial abattoir.