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
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.
Committee Member
MATT SMITH
I grew up in the North Island and moved to the Hakataramea Valley in 2017 with my wife Claire and two children, Ben and Penny. We moved down to Manage Caberfeidh Station for Lone Star Farms. Caberfeidh is a 6000ha sheep and beef property with 10% being irrigated.
I have been involved in the sheep and beef industry for over 20 years and bring a lot of corporate experience and the ability to work with many different people. I am currently a member of WIII executive committee and the Haka water scheme.
My family and I have enjoyed the move south and feel very lucky to be living in such an amazing and progressive community.