Kumeu: Growing opportunity

By CEDRIC GRAY.

Smiles come easily to Korean commercial grower Jin Sik Bae, especially when one praises his crop of tomatoes. He has 6000 plants nearing profit on his 1.1465ha at 152 Old North Rd, Kumeu, and when told that the Auckland market is crying out for the New Zealand-grown product to replace the tough, tasteless Australian variety he nods and smiles in agreement.

Jin Sik Bae has about 2000sq m under glass. It is an impressive facility - well constructed, well maintained and well sheltered by mature trees that surround the property close to the Kumeu township. There is computerised irrigation and gas-fired heating.

The tomatoes are grown in individual pots. Harvested from mid-September onwards, they generate a gross income of more than $100,000 a year.

Michael Thompson, of Norwest Real Estate, Kumeu, says that while tomatoes were obviously profitable, the facility was equally suited to a number of temperature-controlled crops. A previous owner grew cut flowers under the same glass.

The glasshouse occupies a corner of the property. An adjacent park-like paddock, however, is tailor-made for further commercial development. There is ample water from a deep bore and roof catchment.

The outbuildings include a substantial double-bay barn and a smaller shed, with a wash room and toilet. The barn has a concrete floor and a high stud, making it well suited to cater for any further growth in horticulture. It would also be ideal for vehicle storage or as a workshop.

Two tidy north-facing houses are under the same roof, yet enjoy their own privacy. One has three bedrooms, a small kitchen and open-plan family dining and lounge areas. It has a central bathroom, large laundry and internal access from an attached garage. It generates a weekly rental of $360.

The second home, occupied by the Bae family, has a sun-filled and spacious family area and a separate lounge served by a well-appointed kitchen - the entire area enjoying french door-access to wrap-around decks. There are four bedrooms, including one upstairs bedroom (with an adjoining office) and the master bedroom with an en suite and twin wardrobes. Double attached garaging has internal access.

Both houses are surrounded by lawns and a small citrus orchard.

A one-bedroom self-contained cottage near the glasshouse is rented for $160 a week.

Jin Sik Bae intends buying a smaller horticultural unit, and his property is listed with Norwest Real Estate at an asking price of $1.3 million. For further details, contact Michael Thompson, ph 412 8876 or 027 606 3895 mob.