Don't Fence Me In

Merinos, red deer and Angus cattle now concern well-known Auckland philanthropist Christine Fernyhough in her new life as owner of Castle Hill Station.

Words: Kate Coughlan  Photographs: Mark Smith

THE CHOICES FACED BY Auckland philanthropist and arts patron Christine Fernyhough following the death of her husband, John, two years ago are typical of widowhood – dealing with loneliness and loss, coping with financial matters and planning a future. In Christine’s case, due to John’s significant success as a businessman, a sizeable fortune was involved. The sensible route would have been to hire top-gun money people, choose a portfolio minimizing risk and let the experts get on with it.

But Christine is neither predictable nor daunted by a challenge. If she were, there would be no nationwide trust called Books in Homes that every year distributes thousands of books to children. Gifted children would not have dedicated classrooms to harness and guide their talent.

In the lonely aftermath of John’s death, Christine spent a weekend in Hawke’s Bay with her friends, artist Dick Frizzell and his wife Jude. Her eyes opened to the beauty of the rural landscape and her soul responded. She returned to her Parnell home and sent an email to her friend and financial advisor Colin Giffney:

“Maybe I should buy a farm?” He challenged her: “Would you like to buy a ‘real’ farm?” That was on a Tuesday. The following Thursday, historic Castle Hill Station, halfway across the Southern Alps, went up for tender. The Department of Conservation wished to secure large tracts of Castle Hill’s unique limestone outcrops and areas of significant natural interest. The two parties made a joint bid, of which DOC’s $3.5 million was the considerably larger portion.

It is still a source of wonder to Christine that here she is, in a house on 4500 hectares of magnificent South Island high country, 50kms from the nearest shop. And high it is – her home is the highest habitable house in New Zealand and here lies the challenge of this landmark property.

“It’s a tough one,” said a local.

“You’re brave to take on Castle Hill,” another told her.

Christine is  beginning to comprehend. In August last year, aged 61, she took over the station. She learned quickly that cold is the peculiar, and greatest, threat.

Castle Hill Station (left) earns its living from producing wool and meat. Winter, at this altitude, lasts 130 days compared with 100 days on the Canterbury Plains. Keeping stock alive during the long cold period is a challenge. Growing enough feed in the short summer to fatten the sheep, cattle and deer for successful breeding and fast weight gain is equally taxing.

The wonder and awe of the iconic scenery and Christine’s sense that she is responsible for preserving its beauty don’t diminish the daunting nature of making the business successful.

Castle Hill Station, now substantially fewer hectares than before the DOC carve-up and in a mix of freehold and pastoral lease titles, needs to pay its way. “Maybe not this year,” Christine agrees with her young but highly experienced farm manager Andy Bitmead, who has come from Cora Lyn Station near Arthur’s Pass. Andy is relishing working with Christine and on a property with significant potential for improvement.

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