A recent mystery coach trip by Hawke’s Bay Founders opened their eyes to the attractive scenery and welcoming farm environs that exist on our region’s doorstep.
Members of Founders celebrate the history of early settlement in New Zealand.
Organised by Richard and Paddy Bayley, respectively, secretary and president of the Hawke’s Bay branch of the New Zealand Founders Society, the tour began with a look at features of the art deco architecture and heritage in Napier, followed by lunch at the Old Church Restaurant, Meeanee.
This was followed by a tour to the historic homestead of Tuna Nui Station, at the foot of the Kaweka Ranges and near the Napier-Taihape highway.
Founders members thoroughly enjoyed the warm hospitality, a talk on the station’s history and afternoon tea provided by hosts and present day owners of Tuna Nui, Andrew and Pip Russell.
Mr Russell explained the original farming enterprise at Tuna Nui began in 1861 when the Russell brothers Andrew and William, first ran sheep on an area which then comprised 31,000 acres.
They purchased the property in 1870 and a large woolshed, originally with 20 shearing stands, was built in 1878.
In those days about 15,000 Merino sheep were shorn using hand blades.
The size of the station has been much reduced over the years with sales of substantial blocks of land.
Designed by architect C J Natusch, and assisted by Lady Russell, the present homestead which is the second house on the site, was built in 1913-1914. It features extensive use of native timbers.
Tiles are from Marseilles and formed ballast in the ships which returned with cargos of the station’s meat and wool.
A talking point among the visitors was the striking portrait hanging above the lounge fireplace of the Russell family’s ancestor and former property owner, Major General Sir Andrew Hamilton Russell.
Sir Andrew was highly decorated for his outstanding service and command roles in the Gallipoli and Somme campaigns of World War I.
In the modern day and occupying a novelty niche in Tuna Nui’s annual farming calendar, is the big ‘pheasant shoot’.
This is eagerly looked forward to by game bird shooters from all parts of New Zealand and from overseas.
“We breed up and release 16,000 pheasants annually for this shoot which is held from May to the end of August,” said Mr Russell.
Gardeners among the Founders visitors greatly enjoyed the opportunity to walk the grounds at Tuna Nui and admire the many feature trees, shrubs and landscapes, including a large area of topiary.
Persons wanting to learn more about Founders may contact the Hawke’s Bay secretary, Richard Bayley, on telephone 876 7616.
Contact for this story: Richard Bayley on 06 876 7616
A CHOICE OF PICS AND CAPTIONS
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Hawke’s Bay Founders embark on their mystery tour following lunch at the Old Church restaurant, Meeanee.
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Paddy Bayley, front, right, president of Hawke's Bay Founders and Founders members setting off on their mystery tour from the Old Church restaurant, Meeanee.
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Hawke’s Bay Founders members roam the grounds of the Tuna Nui homestead.
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Tuna Nui owner, Andrew Russell, provides a brief history of the farm for Hawke’s Bay Founders visitors.
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Hawke’s Bay Founders secretary, Richard Bayley, left, with Paddy Bayley, president, and Tuna Nui owners, Pip and Andrew Russell. A portrait of Major General Sir Andrew Hamilton Russell looks on.
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Topiary at Tuna Nui.