Hamish and Simon Guild of High Peak Station (Photo/Supplied)
Hamish and Simon Guild of High Peak Station in Canterbury have been announced as the 2024 National Ambassadors for
Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase
at Claudelands in Hamilton this evening.
High Peak Station has traditional farm roots, however it has diversified in recent years to include a wide range of
income streams.
The 3,760ha (3,450ha effective) property is managed by an eight-way partnership that runs four different businesses. The
partnership comprises the Guilds – James, Anna, Hamish, Gemma, Simon and Kate – and Amelia and Tom Dunbar.
There’s a strong focus on adding value to all the enterprises, with the team striving toward high-end products and
experiences. High Peak Station’s income is derived from sheep, cattle, deer, honey and tourism. The separate entities
operate in synergy with each family member bringing different strengths to the table, which has ensured a sustainable
and robust business.
The Guild and Dunbar families won the Canterbury Regional Supreme Award in March, with Hamish and Simon representing the
family in the national judging process.
The judging process for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy includes on-farm judging as well as a panel interview, with the
trophy recipients displaying a combination of an exemplar farming operation – from a financial, social and environmental
perspective – and the ability to articulate informed responses and insightful views on a range of pan-sector topics.
Chair of the National Judging Panel, Karen Williams noted the exceptionally high calibre of Regional Supreme Winners,
and said it was a privilege to hear their stories.
“All of the stories were magnificent, and as a farmer you feel really proud listening to them explain what they do and
why.”
“Hamish and Simon gave articulate, succinct and well thought-out responses to all of our questions, and demonstrated a
strong customer and market focus, with particular awareness of global markets and how our products are seen off shore,”
said Williams.
“They have a strong focus on succession, with the idea of ‘making the pie bigger’ to ensure everyone in the family finds
a niche and a place to operate together.”
Williams noted that the family’s approach to climate resilience stood out, particularly as they have experienced floods
followed by drought. “They recognise that science will deliver some of the tools to help build resilience, such as
adopting more weather tolerant pasture species; they have explored the vulnerabilities to their business in detail; and
they have adjusted or enhanced infrastructure to ensure they’re adaptable to climate change and severe weather impacts.”
The National Judging Panel also commended the Guilds for their creative approach to health and wellbeing within their
team and their involvement in the wider community. “This is a diverse, multi generational farming family with lots of
strings to their bow,” said Williams.
Alongside a theme of multi-generational farming businesses and ‘succession on show’ within this year’s Regional Supreme
Winners, Williams noted there was strong commitment to enhancing biodiversity, a clear desire to reduce GHG emissions,
and an emphasis on the value of telling our story as New Zealand food and fibre producers.
The National Sustainability Showcase event at Claudelands celebrated each of the ten Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Regional Supreme Winners from across the country. Hosted by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the event is held
annually as the pinnacle of the BFEA programme, and connects primary industry representatives from across the sector.