A hundred, a century, 100; as humans we value this number. We celebrate it, there's something significant about it. Batsmen crave it, the Queen sends us a card when we turn it and to give 100 per cent is to give every last ounce of effort you possibly can. Most of the world's currencies are divided into one hundred subunits. We've seen the 100th anniversary of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign this year. It's relatively arbitrary, but we nevertheless attach great kudos to it as a milestone in many walks of life.
Over the weekend 30 families from around New Zealand were recognised for being able to keep the family farm in their name for a century, in some cases longer. It was the 10th anniversary of the NZ Century Farm and Station Awards at the peaceful little hamlet of Lawrence in Central Otago. Incidentally, it was also the anniversary of the day back in 1861 when Tasmanian Gabriel Read discovered gold at a place which came to be known as Gabriel's Gully, a discovery which led to the Otago gold rush and the birth of towns like Lawrence.
As farm succession becomes increasingly rare for a whole host of reasons, events like the one in Lawrence over the weekend are becoming more pertinent. When you think of all the events and changes that have occurred over the past century and a half, it's extraordinary to think these businesses have survived as long as they have.
Among the families celebrated over the weekend was the English family, including Deputy Prime Minister Bill, and the Muller family, including the former All Black prop from 1967-1971, Jazz. Unfortunately the Mullers from Eltham weren't able to attend, but the sizeable English mob from Dipton were there to receive their award and mix and mingle with other families who have achieved a similar milestone.
No doubt there are some fascinating stories wrapped up in the history of these families and it's interesting to note many of the attendees have only come to learn of their family history recently as they endeavoured to tell the story of how indeed they've become part of a legacy that stretches back a century.