Our HSC Committee

Chairperson

JULIET GRAY

I farm with my husband Richard and children Ben (11), Sophie (9) and Phoebe (5). Originally from Southland, we are now the kaitiaki of Hakataramea Station a sheep, beef and venison breeding and finishing operation.

The sustainability of our agricultural sector and my passion for health and community connection is a huge driver for me being part of the HSC along with the enjoyment of working as a team to reach a shared vision.

BRUCE NOWELL

Committee Member

I moved to Hakataramea Valley in 1984. My wife Chris and I farm down the bottom end of the valley off Mchenry's road overlooking the river.

The original Landcare group (Haka/Kurow Landcare group) started in 1986 was Bruce's brain child and he remains a valued member of HSC today. Bruce is a wealth of local knowledge and fantastic stories.

Secretary

JESS LINWOOD

My partner and I live on a lease property in the Hakataramea Valley. Focusing on farming Merinos, half-bred and cattle. After completing a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln I have worked in many various roles within the agriculture industry and now manage the local PGG Wrightson store in Kurow.

Committee Member

HEATHER GRAY

Farming in partnership with husband Barry and son and daughter-in-law Richard and Juliet at Hakataramea Station. We farm sheep, beef and deer in the beautiful Hakataramea Valley.

We moved from Southland 13 years ago after farming there for 33 years and the unique characteristics of the Haka Valley are certainly embedded in my soul.

I believe the HSC community can help to enhance the viability and environment of our farming businesses for generations to come.

Currently a Justice of the Peace, Chairperson of Waitaki Area Committee St John and Vice President of Kurow Jockey Club.

Committee Member

SALLY NEWLANDS

My husband Wade and I and our three children live in the Hakataramea Valley on a sheep and beef farm “Collie Hills”. The farm that I was lucky to have grown up on with my family.

I am a personal trainer and wellness coach and my love of the outdoors and its connection to physical and mental wellbeing has recently lead to Sole to Soul a small business offering hikes in our stunning Waitaki Valley high country.

Having been born and bred here I am incredibly passionate about our community, the people and the land which is the reason I joined HSC

Committee Member

ANDREW COONEY

I live and farm Acacia Downs with my fiancé Ashleigh and daughter Lara in the Hakataramea Valley. It is a 636ha mixed operation with sheep, beef, dairy grazing and cropping.

My agronomy background and extensive cropping experience here and abroad has helped immensely in developing the sustainability of our family farm which I am very passionate about.

Committee Member

JESS TURNBULL

I am farming with my husband Dougal and two young children at Cattle Creek and also in North Otago. We farm a mixed operation with sheep, beef, goats and cropping.

I studied a BCAppSc at Otago and worked as a draftsman in Australia before farming in the outback and eventually returning to farming in NZ and raising a family.

Being relatively new to the Hakataramea Valley I see that HSC plays an exciting role in educating the wider community in protecting the land for future generations.

Committee Member

HAMISH MURRAY

My wife and I with our two children moved to the Hakataramea valley in 2020. I manage Caberfeidh Station for Lone Star Farms. Caberfeidh is a 6000ha intensive sheep / beef breeding and finishing operation.

I am passionate about our awesome environment we live in and enjoy collaborating with likeminded individuals through the HSC to protect and enhance our environment.

Committee Member

JANE SEVERINSEN

My husband and I have a small block that overlooks the Hakataramea Valley. The ever changing beauty of this unique environment never ceases to amaze me. It is a privilege to be part of a community that not only looks out for each other but is also dedicated to looking after our environment.

I have been involved in education for many years and currently have the privilege of being Tumuaki (Principal) of Waitaki Valley School in Kurow.

Being passionate about growing a generation of future kaitiaki who know and understand the importance of caring for our whenua. The work the HSC has had in establishing a Community Native Nursery and providing rich educational opportunities for our tamariki is having a powerful impact.

Committee Member

NICOLE PHILLIPS

I work as an Environmental Consultant across Canterbury and Otago, bringing a depth of planning and regulatory knowledge. My husband Shane and I, and two daughters have farmed at Mt Florence, a fine wool and beef breeding operation in the Cattle Creek area of the Hakataramea Valley for the past 9 years.

I wanted to be part of the HSC as I see collaboration and communication as vital pieces of the constantly changing farming sector.

Committee Member

WALLACE MILNE

I live on our family sheep and beef farm at Cattle Creek with my wife, Kendall, and our three young kids. I really enjoy the inclusive Hakataramea Valley community and look forward to working with them and HSC to maintain and increase the integrity of our farm and the wider valley for future generations.

PETE CLEAVE

Committee Member

I am the fifth generation of my family to farm our 440ha sheep and arable property, Hillside, at the base of the Kirkliston Range in the Hakataramea Valley.

Committee Member

SAM BELL

Committee Member

MARIA SHARP

Originally from the Bay of Plenty, I made the move to the Hakataramea Valley in 2024 to take on the admin and compliance side of the operation for our dairy support and beef grazing block, 'Riverside.'

With a background in horticulture, I’ve come to appreciate how important it is to look after the environment and encourage sustainable farming. Joining HSC is an opportunity to connect with others who share the same goals, learn new things, and play my part in protecting the land and resources we all rely on.