The history and evolution of one of New Zealand's most famous farms, Molesworth Station, is featured in a newly released book.
Molesworth - Stories From New Zealand's Largest High Country Station is packed with stories and photos which capture the development of the station's landscape into productive farmland, the long-running battles against rabbits, the rabbiters' battles against the cold and even a murder.
Molesworth station manager Jim Ward recounted at the book launch what it was like when Landcorp and the Department of Conservation became partners in running the station.
"When we changed management structure ... I had to become a DoC ranger.
"It was something that a farmer had never had to do. We've done it. We've banged heads a lot but along the way we've actually come to realise that we need each other to make the thing work, or it's going to fall over," Mr Ward said.
Former station manager Don Reid told those at the launch he hoped Molesworth would always remain more than just a farm.
He challenged all those involved with the farm to keep it going, and keep its extensive management system and practices.
"I don't want to see it as a farm, put it that way, and I don't think the general public out there do either," Mr Reid said.
"The thing about Molesworth is the size and the fact that everything is still on such a big scale. Let's not turn it into a hay paddock."
Molesworth could be harsh and unforgiving but it also had its good points, and good stock could be produced if those good points were understood, he said.
He hoped it would continue, and that the public would continue to have access to it.
"Because if you love these places, you have to understand that with the general public out there, they want their share too," Mr Reid said.
