After single-handedly running Rees Valley Station for nearly 20 years, Iris Scott was more than happy to hand over the reins to her daughter Kate.
The 18,000-hectare property at the head of Lake Wakatipu is home to about 5000 merino sheep and 200 cattle.
Kate Scott Photo: RNZ / Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
When Iris' husband died in 1992, Iris decided to carry on farming the land that had been in the Scott family for more than 100 years. She was also running a vet practice in Glenorchy.
She admits it was a great relief to her when her daughter Kate finally expressed an interest in taking over the farm.
Iris Scott Photo: RNZ / Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
"I was waiting for years but she had so many other interests. She just once had to say that I had a fairly tight grip on the reins and that was just the excuse I needed (to drop them)!"
"I'm not entirely sure I am actually in charge yet," jokes Kate, who has lived on the farm her whole life apart from stints away studying.
Now Iris does more of the domestic work at the homestead she shares with Kate. She's also taming the garden after years of neglect and putting together a farm environment plan.
"I'm still here, but I don't have to do the struggle stuff anymore!"
Photo: RNZ / Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Kate reckons most farmers wouldn't be farming if they couldn't find enjoyment in it. She just loves the outdoor life.
"When it's been raining for a week and everyone's looking sad and the culverts are blowing out, then you kind of need something to keep you motivated."
She was mustering two-tooth ewes on the day Country Life's Cosmo Kentish-Barnes turned up.
A cloud of dust lingered above the mob as she drove them up an unsealed road to a paddock near the shearing shed.
"They're next on my list for dipping. It's not urgent as they're not lousy which is good, but it would be good to get them dipped before the fly season kicks in."
Photo: RNZ / Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
