Kumeu: A fresh challenge with chooks

A broiler chicken unit near Kumeu invites new owners to check out the poultry business. By CEDRIC GRAY.

The chickens on Auckland dinner tables tonight could have been raised by Garry Peace at his broiler chicken unit on the outskirts of Kumeu.

Three fully automated sheds on his 2.7276ha property produce close to 500,000 birds, all processed under the Tegel label.

Garry has been a prominent player in the poultry industry for 12 years, during which he has enjoyed its growth and increased profitability.

According to industry figures, more than 77 million chickens - weighing a total of 130,510 tonnes - were processed in 2002. Ten years ago, the corresponding figures were 45 million birds at just under 42,000 tonnes.

Last year poultry accounted for 36 percent of New Zealand's total meat consumption - 6 percent more than beef and veal and double the amount of pork.

"It's a growth industry all right," says Garry, "but apart from that, it provides an excellent lifestyle."

His poultry sheds can house 77,000 birds. Delivered by Tegel as day-old chicks, they are housed for between 35 and 42 days before being sent to the processing factory.

The sheds cover more than 3500sq m on a well-sheltered site on the corner of Trigg and Motu Rds. The property is within walking distance of the Kumeu Primary School, and buses to secondary schools at Helensville and Massey pass the gate.

Controlled heating, lighting, feeding and air conditioning systems - with back-up systems in the event of failure - keep labour costs to a minimum. "I work two to three hours a day - a great lifestyle if you are a keen golfer or fishing enthusiast with the Muriwai golf course and Kaipara Harbour nearby."

The property is divided into six well-fenced paddocks in excellent pasture. Garry grazes a few sheep - "to keep the grass in check" - but the well-drained pasture also lends itself to a couple of ponies or a few cattle. A deep well bore provides quality water for the chicken units and household use, and there is a small stream on the western boundary.

The extensive outbuildings include an office, which could readily be converted into staff quarters or guest accommodation. There is also a substantial implement shed, a three-bay garage and workshop and a two-bay carport. Separate heavy vehicle access leads to the broiler units.

A comfortable four-bedroom home is surrounded by mature trees.

The property is being sold as a going concern at an asking price of $1,925,000. "I'm looking for a change," says Garry. "I think I need a fresh challenge."

It is being marketed by Richard Hammer and Suzy Bray of Harcourts, Kumeu. For details contact them on 412 7666.