About us

   

Hi, we're John and Kathleen and here's a little bit about our grove.

Back in 2000, after much searching at all points of the compass, we finally located a property we thought had a great aspect, was affordable and would be excellent for growing olives. Expert advice we received soon after purchase assured us the Waikato was a very poor choice and unlikely to result in a successful olive growing venture. Oh dear, too late now! Over the next two years we set about planting 600 trees made up of five Tuscan varieties. Living in Auckland we whizzed down the Southern Motorway on many weekends and did the hard yards. She was a 'big job' as they say!

We discovered that doing anything multiplied by 100/300/600, even the easiest task, was tough going. Trying to get it all done on a weekend meant we were going flat out and exhausted at the end of it! It took a while but eventually we realised 'island time' had a lot to recommend it so we slowed down, worked at a reasonable pace and if it wasn't done one weekend it would be done on another.

The olives are grown organically with miniature horses and cows keeping the grass down in the winter. We use only organic products on the trees if and when they are required.

Once the trees began fruiting the highlight was picking the olives along with family and friends. We have pickers who still look forward to a day in the grove after all this time. A tasty lunch is a welcome break with smoked trout and bumblebee biscuits supplied by Ma and Pa and devoured in no time boosting energy levels! Once the picking and pressing is complete the pickers join us for a tasting of the extra virgin olive oil they helped to pick.

In 2011 we began building a minor dwelling at the grove, which has since become known as the Fantail's Nest due to it's size and the abundance of Fantails in the grove! In 2013 we moved into our limestone faced, ecoblock home. It's extremely warm and cosy just like a nest and we're happy to say we haven't required heating of any sort even on the frostiest of winter days. 

We're chuffed with the Awards we've received over the years - it makes it all worthwhile!

Some of our oil is used by the amazing Leanne Martell from Bath Boutique. Leanne is committed to creating quality handmade natural and organic soap, bath and massage products and they're 100% Palm Oil Free.