Historic Waiaruhe Station to remain in Beatson family's hands

Barry Beatson speaks at the failed auction of Waiaruhe Station last year. Barry and Helena Beatson own the property, which is being run by Maurice Beatson and his son Andrew. Photo/Supplied

The historic Waiaruhe Station south of Dannevirke, owned by Barry and Helena Beatson, is remaining in the Beatson family, but with Maurice Beatson and his son Andrew now running the farm alongside their own as one business enterprise.

"It's worked out quite well and keeping it in the family, that's the best part," Helena told the Dannevirke News.

It was originally up for auction last year, but failed to sell. Helena and Barry remain the legal owners, retaining their house and 28.3ha, with Barry running thoroughbred horses and hunters.

"In its heyday this place was one whole block of 45,000 acres," Barry said.

Originally known as Oringi Waiaruhe, the station of 4856ha was leased from Maori owners in 1863 by J D Ormond.

It was sold to Henry Gaisford in 1875, by which time it had reached 6474ha.

Four years later more leasehold land was acquired, nearly tripling its size to 18,210ha.

In 1907, Henry's son Herbert bought the property and began breeding thoroughbreds.

By 1912, the station was reduced to 2833ha freehold, running pedigree Clydesdales, thoroughbred horses and a Lincoln sheep stud.

George Duncan Beatson, Barry's grandfather, married Herbert Gaisford's sister and eventually moved to Oringi Waiaruhe after World War II. By then it had the Ohukia Station added. He maintained the strong equestrian traditions which still feature today.

Barry and brother Maurice bought the station in 1979, Barry taking the Waiaruhe block and Maurice the Ohukia Block.

"We have a son in Cambridge who has his own business which is going very, very well, so he didn't want to come back here and so now he and Barry have quite a bit in common through horses," Helena said.

Sam Beatson owns Riversley Park, in Waikato and is well respected within the industry, having broken in some quality horses, including Melbourne Cup-winner Prince of Penzance, six-time Group One winner and now sire Dundeel and the Group One winner Sofia Rosa.

In the past couple of years he has diversified into preparing and selling stock at the Ready To Run Sale.

Tomorrow there will be a farm clearing sale at Waiaruhe Station, starting at noon.

Auctioneer Simon McKay said the gear up for sale was very well maintained, modern-type agricultural equipment.

"We will seek to meet the market, provided it's fair," he said.

A large quantity of farm posts and strainers of good quality will also be up for sale and Mr McKay said he had timed the auction to allow people to attend the Dannevirke stock sale prior to the clearing sale.