Dannevirke goat farmer finds himself in 'God's country'

The first kid twins (girls) born on the Laws Rd property of new resident Robin Sears.

New Dannevirke resident Robin Sears admits he's a bit like an expectant father with his South African nannies kidding for the first time.

"I've a passion for my South African Boer nannies and moving here to Dannevirke I've discovered it's God's country," he said

"How could you not love them?"

Mr Sears moved to his Laws Rd 6.6ha property on February 2 and has been busy fencing and sub-dividing as well building houses for his goats.

While living in a caravan on site, he's partitioning off a small section of his shed for a small dwelling for himself.

Moving his 40 nannies from his previous property half way between Hamilton and Raglan, Mr Sears has discovered the free-draining soil at Laws Rd means he can winter his goats outside and there are fewer foot problems.

"I love it here and up until now I've just sold breeding stock, but now I want to breed goats for their meat. I've had a few inquiries already," he said.

At 10pm Monday a maiden nanny delivered twin kids, (girls), the first of his flock of 40 to give birth here.

"She coped well on her own, but I do keep an eye on my nannies when they're due," Mr Sears said.

"I handle them every other day and they all want to be my best mate."

White, with dark brown heads, long floppy ears and big doe-like eyes, the twins have already captured the attention of Dannevirke's Diane Spence.

"They're the most beautiful creatures and I defy anyone not to be smitten," she said.

Previously Mr Sears bred Saanen and Angora goats, but said the South African Boer goats are so docile.

"They're not hard on the fences and I like them," he said.

And on the issue of eating his goats, Mr Sears said, "we've all got a right to eat and as long as they are treated well, then I don't see a problem."