Farm opens gate to public

Te Rata Family Farm Te Rata Family Farm is holding an open day this Saturday for families wanting to sample the atmosphere of a working farm with organic, free-range chickens.

People can feed piglets, cuddle some chickens, collect free-range eggs or maybe even buy a pot of fresh farm honey during the open day at the Paparoa farm.

The free-range poultry, beef and pig property belongs to Rebecca and Bert Borger and their five children, James, 10, Miriam, 8, Lillian, 4, Sarah, 3, and Andy, 1.

"We've got a little patch of paradise and want to share it," Ms Borger said.

"We know many children never get the chance to experience a real farm - the rural connection that Kiwi children once had through extended family has been lost and many are unaware where milk and eggs come from."

The Borgers keep around 9500 hens on around 8ha of their 162ha farm.

They have opened up the farm several times before, saying they like to provide a service to their customers.

The hens are kept in six flocks which free range during the day and roost in large sheds at night.

"We have brown shavers and hylines which are a similar breed to the shaver, but have a pretty lace ruffle around their neck."

The eggs, certified organic by AssureQuality, are delivered to Free Range Eggs New Zealand at Pukekohe, several times a week where they are washed and packed before being sold through outlets nationwide. Plans are to expand the poultry numbers to around 12,000.

The sheds are in the process of being remodelled with newly designed nesting boxes - a design for which Bert is currently seeking a patent.

The farm will be open from 10am to 2pm.

Numbers will be limited, so to register email info@familyfarm.co.nz

Strong, clean footwear is essential. The farm visit is free of charge.