Auckland / Beef, Sheep
Chris and Greta Harris
Chritas Wood
14 Feb 2025
2025 Auckland Finalists: Chris and Greta Harris of Chritas Wood – Sheep and Beef
The Harris family has transformed their once gorse-infested Franklin property into a thriving small farm that punches well above its weight in terms of environmental stewardship.
Three generations of the Harris family live at Chritas Wood, each pitching in to make it a success. Chris and Greta own and run the farm, supplementing its income with off-site jobs and a tree felling and wood business. Their six young boys help with farmwork and planting, while Chris’s father Alan helps with the children and firewood.
The 12.49ha (6.6ha effective) property runs three nurse cows and a self-sustaining breeding mob of one ram and between 15 and 20 ewes. Firewood sales have lifted by more than 300% in the past financial year, meaning it contributes 75% of their income.
Since arriving eight years ago, the Harris family has embarked on a journey to create a self-sustaining sheep and beef system that can provide enough meat to feed their family. They also want it to be a haven where their children can connect to nature.
One of their focuses is to improve Ohiku stream’s health so it supports more native fish and macroinvertebrates. The family then shares the area with the community so children can learn about native bugs and fish.
A key focus has been environmental restoration. They have retired almost half the property and planted it in more than 22,000 native trees and shrubs. This includes fully fencing and planting all wet and steep areas – significantly enhancing biodiversity across the property and protecting waterways. This is underpinned by active pest management and an ethos of low waste.
The judges were impressed with the family’s exceptional animal health and wellbeing practices, their comprehensive understanding of their catchment, and their commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Chritas Wood showcases how even small properties can make a significant positive impact on the environment and inspire others to embrace sustainable farming practices.
