NEWS RELEASE
Farming Seminars to Reduce ‘Easing Out Stress’ Back by Popular Demand
For Release: 29 June 2006
Finding a way to successfully ease out of a farming business is not as simple as it sounds, according to Harcourts
Southland/Otago Rural Manager, David McKenzie. Having worked and lived in the rural sector for 45 years, he adds, “Most
people don’t realise how momentous the decision to quit farming can be.”
Based on the ongoing feedback Harcourts Rural receive from their clients, the team is again organising two “Easing Out”
seminars to be held at Oamaru on Thursday 20 July and Omakau on Friday 21 July. With similar very popular seminars held
in Gore and Balclutha in the last couple of years, Mr McKenzie said, “These provide a chance for people to consider some
advice and listen to experienced, wise heads rather than just rushing in to sell without much thought.” His impressive
list of speakers and discussion facilitators include:
Richard Farquhar, Meat & Wool NZ – set the scene for those ready to start easing out of farming (Both).
- Dennis Mullaly, Rural Livestock Ltd, Otago - will look at preparation and timely sale of stock (Both).
- David McKenzie – on the sometimes complex issues surrounding a property sale or partial sale (Both).
- Colin Wollstein, Brady & Wollstein Accountants, Oamaru – to discuss financial issues (Oamaru only).
- Cam Dykes, Ibbotson Cooney Accountants, Alexandra – to discuss financial issues (Omakau only).
- Michael De Buyzer, Berry & Co Solicitors, Oamaru – to discuss legal issues (Oamaru only).
- Dave Gibson, Bodkins Solicitors, Central Otago – to discuss legal issues (Omakau only).
Mr McKenzie said both seminars will also include local farmers who have “been there and done that” to share their
experiences. He emphasised the event would be interactive with plenty of participation and “a good discussion about the
problems and pitfalls to avoid. It can potentially be traumatic enough without risking things going wrong with financial
matters or an apparently simple issue like selling stock and plant.”
Mr McKenzie said the seminars would be of value to a wide range of farmers, particularly those within a few years of
leaving their farm, as well as others who are quite settled but want to consider issues for future planning. He
encouraged couples/partners to attend together so all viewpoints could be considered.
ENDS