Waiaruhe Station.
Waiaruhe Station south of Dannevirke, 512 ha of well-developed land adjacent to SH2, failed to sell on Thursday April 6.
Despite a crowd in excess of 150 there was effectively only one bidder and the property was passed in at $8.4 million.
The property was promoted by Property Brokers as the Jewel of Southern Hawke's Bay, a Finisher's Dream.
"Property Brokers are privileged to bring this picture perfect farm to the market. During our vendor's tenure, improvements have been made lifting the standard of infrastructure to the present high standards.
These improvements were listed as an eight-stand woolshed, several implement/storage sheds, three-bedroom dwelling set in very nicely laid out lawns and gardens. Large covered-in yards, specifically designed to handle high numbers of lambs and ewes, with two drafting races."
"Water is provided from a combination of reticulated system gravity fed to troughs and a number of large well-made dams. Farm access is first class with central laneway leading to well subdivided paddocks. 390ha has been cultivated over recent years and is providing some of the best pasture offered in the district, including 80ha in Plantain and Red Clover and 22ha of freshly sown Italian Rye and Clover."
In presenting the property at the auction Property Brokers agent Jim Crispinsaid the property required no extra development and was carrying more grass than he had ever seen.
Originally known as Oringi Waiaruhe, the station of 12,000 acres (4856ha) was leased from Maori owners in 1863 by Hon J D Ormond. It was sold to Henry Gaisford in 1875 by which time it had reached 16,000 acres (6475ha).
Four years later more leasehold land was acquired nearly tripling its size to 45,000 acres (18,210ha).
In 1907 Henry's son Herbert bought the property and began bloodstock breeding of thoroughbreds. By 1912 the station was reduced to 7000 acres (2833ha) freehold running pedigree Clydesdales, thoroughbred horses and a Lincoln sheep stud. Herbert was Master of the Dannevirke Hunt.
George Duncan Beatson, Barry's grandfather, married Herbert Gaisford's sister and eventually moved to Oringi Waiaruhe after World War II which by then had the additional 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.
At the auction Waiaruhe owner Barry was emotional as he spoke about the property which had been in his family for four generations.
"It has been a great provider for the family, providing a standard of living that would be the envy of many," he said. He thanked the many workers who had provided loyal service over 20 years, particularly Ed Knox, his wife Tia and the wider Hape family.
"The property is set to go on producing well in the future."
Bidding started at $7.5 million and slowly rose interspersed with comments reminding potential bidders of the quality of the property.
Two significant bidders were unable to attend, one experiencing a flood which devastated his kiwifruit orchard in Whanganui and the other from the north blocked by flooded roads.
"This is a gem and everyone knows you have to pay for gems," Auctioneer Steve Davis said. "It took time - four generations to produce - it so we will take time to auction it."
With only the vendor's bids to encourage the solitary bidder to raise his offer, the total rose to $8.4 million and after consultation with the vendor the property was passed in.
Property Broker's Manager Kerry Sutherland said negotiations were ongoing with the bidder and others.