Grass not growing under Elders' feet in push for southern network

Farmer demand has seen Elders New Zealand appoint the first of what it hopes will be up to 70 stock and rural real estate agents in the South Island.

Managing director Stuart Chapman said the company had recently opened a retail store in Winton in central Southland and appointed 10 livestock agents in Otago and Southland.

"The support was unbelievable when we opened the Winton store. People are looking for a national company as a competitor," he said.

Chapman said the staff had been recruited from other rural servicing companies and were waiting out a mandatory stand-down period as part of their employment contract.

He hopes to employ up to 40 livestock agents and 30 real estate agents in the South Island to complement Elders' North Island network.

The company still has shares in most saleyards in the south of the South Island, which gives it access to sell clients' stock.

Bill Turnham has been appointed South Island livestock manager, based in Invercargill, and Ian Gibb rural real estate manager, based in Christchurch.

Chapman said they would employ staff and establish a support structure.

With the merger of Pyne Gould Guinness and Wrightson, Chapman said farmers had been looking for a competing rural servicing company with nationwide exposure.

Elders New Zealand has 130 staff in the North Island offering livestock trading, finance, farm merchandise and credit-card facilities.

Elders Australia operated throughout New Zealand until 1991 when it was forced to retract because of management difficulties.

Its name disappeared from the South Island, where it struggled to become a serious player, but a 1992 management buy-out secured its North Island presence.

The business is now owned by Chapman and Eric Spencer, who have a licensing agreement to use the Elders brand.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES