Country Calendar show to feature Awapapa Station

Dr Ashton Eaves, soil conservation scientist with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, visited Awapapa Station to discuss his report and plan further analysis. Sunday’s episode of Country Calendar features the station, and Dr Eaves’ study findings. Picture supplied

The Campbell family from Awapapa Station at Hangaroa feature in Country Calendar on TV1 on Sunday.

Alex and Megan Campbell were finalists in this year’s Balance Farm Environmental Awards, and their entry sparked an inquiry from the country’s longest running TV show.

The story on Country Calendar will cover the exploits, achievements and resilience of two generations of this family who originated in Southland and took over stewardship of Awapapa in 1967.

The story of adversity includes progress, expansion and losing ownership of Awapapa through a mortgagee sale at the time of the global financial crisis and some of the positive initiatives they have involved themselves in since then.

Of particular significance is the practical environmental policy the family adopted from the outset and have continued to promote over the years regardless of any adversity they have faced. Cyclone Gabrielle has been a great test of their work and initiatives.

Senior land scientist Dr Ashton Eaves from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has compiled a study on  erosion damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle on Awapapa. It compares their experience with similar neighbouring land  and notes, among other things, that the Campbells’ farm had far fewer established plantings.

Findings of the study are expected to be released in Sunday’s episode.

A farm forestry field day open to the public is planned for Awapapa on Wednesday, September 20. It is expected Dr Ashton’s report will be a primary focus on the day.