Chrissy Weeks and Tony Lumsden
Ratahi Holdings

This beef operation is a great demonstration of how simplicity and stewardship benefit both livestock and the landscape by balancing high-performance animal husbandry with deep environmental respect.

Ratahi Holdings operates across two properties – one hidden in the hills above Matata township and the other on Matakana Island.

For the past 21 years, farm manager Chrissy Weeks and partner Tony Lumsden have operated the business for owners Donald Johnstone and Jay Weeks. The 544ha (316ha effective) operation has been refined during that time and today it features a 250-cow beef breeding herd.

Chrissy’s approach to animal husbandry stood out to the judges for its empathy and attention to detail. Her high level of care has delivered tangible results, including a remarkable farm record of 22 sets of twins from just 180 cows.

By breeding all replacements on-farm and growing all their own supplements, the team maintains total control over quality and biosecurity.

Environmental stewardship is hands-on and personal. The farm operates its own nursery, where the team cultivates native plants often rescued as seedlings from vulnerable areas of the property. Chrissy personally handles pest control across 200 hectares, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond standard compliance.

Land management is dictated by topography and climate. For example, to mitigate erosion, detention bunds have been constructed to slow water flow. Sensitive, steep areas are grazed only once a year to minimise soil damage, while stock movements are strictly planned depending on rainfall and ground conditions.

The judges praised Chrissy and Tony for their open mindsets when it came to trying new, innovative farming practices and for opening the farm gates to cater to regular visits from hunters and trampers.

At Ratahi Holdings, success is measured not just by beef production, but by the enduring health of the land being cared for.