Regional Supreme Winners 2022: Rick & Shirley-Ann Mannering of Waytemore Farms – Dairy, Beef and Sheep

The team at Waytemore Farms is carefully balancing the needs of a profitable farming operation with significant conservation work on its indigenous forests, waterways and wetlands.

Located at Paparimu, the 1,455ha sheep, beef and dairy farm consists of three family farm holdings that are managed as one entity by Shirley-Ann and Rick Mannering. 1,177ha supports one dairy farm and the sheep and beef farm, while a nearby block of 277ha supports another dairy farm.

The Mannerings run a breeding flock of 2,100 Romney ewes, along with 720 beef cattle, and 860 dairy cows with 360 replacements. Over the past five years, the Mannerings have transitioned the business to a mostly closed model where the dairy and beef operations support each other.

Bordering the vast Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Waytemore Farms features a substantial amount of native forest, including areas protected by QEII National Trust covenants.

For 20 years, the Mannerings and their team have put significant effort into conservation work, including fencing off well-established indigenous forest, waterways and wetlands, and sustained predator control. Their efforts are paying off, with flourishing forests and native birds. In recent years, they have accelerated their work in response to a growing awareness of how climate change is negatively impacting biodiversity.

Their focus on sustainability is applied across the whole farming operation as they continually improve farm practices to boost profitability while enhancing the environment. To help achieve this, they’ve employed a farm manager trained in ecology, and a dedicated farm ranger trained in conservation biology.

Waytemore Farms holds special memories for the Mannering family who ensure they make time to enjoy recreational activities on the land. They see the farm as a living, breathing entity that they intend to protect and enhance for future generations.

As well as receiving this year’s Regional Supreme Award, Rick and Shirley also received:

DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award

Hill Laboratories Agri-Science Award

Massey University Innovation Award

Auckland Council Water Quality Enhancement Award