Horticulture Award Winner

Robin Oakley, from Oakey’s Premium Fresh Vegetables, is a fifth-generation grower and has recently won a 2022 HortNZ Environmental Award. The Award was presented to Robin at a growers function in Christchurch on August 4th. Oakley’s, based in Southbridge, is on a journey of continuous improvement to be a sustainable and healthy food producer for New Zealand. “We are proud that our efforts have been recognised as industry-leading by our peers. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We looked forward to continually refining and innovating our growing and packing practices to deliver only the best fresh vegetables to kiwi families,” commented Robin Oakley. “In recent years, we have taken considerable steps to reduce, monitor and manage greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen leaching and improve soil quality through initiatives such as the Sustainable Vegetables System project. “In particular, Oakley’s have looked to power usage and installed 564 solar panels at the Southbridge post-harvest site in April. These 390-watt panels will account for around 40% of the site’s annual energy demands,” concluded Robin. Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables grow potatoes, beetroot, broccoli, pumpkin and arable crops, including grass seed, wheat, peas and maize, on more than 450 hectares. They wash, grade and pack their produce on site. There have been five generations of growers in the family. It all began back in the 1870s with Great Great Grandad John Oakley who began growing out in West Melton soon after arriving in New Zealand from the United Kingdom. Next was Great Grandad William Henry Oakley. William retired in 1947, but not before his son and Robin’s Grandfather Walter Mark William Oakley came on the scene. Walter farmed alongside his father until he was 26 years old before purchasing his own farm in 1934. Walter invented modern farming equipment which has revolutionised the horticulture industry in New Zealand. In 1957 Graeme William Oakley, son of Walter and Rose, bought the original titles of the family farm in Halkett. By the mid-sixties, Graeme irrigated the entire farm. Graeme worked alongside his father until the early ’80s. Like his predecessors, Graeme experimented growing other plants like barley, beet, seed potatoes and red clover. Graeme worked on the farm until with his wife Dorothy, Robin’s mother, until 2010. Visit the Oakley’s Premium Vegetable stand at the Christchurch Food Show (19 - 21 August).

WE SPECIALISE IN:

• Mainline Irrigation

Repairs • Stock Water Systems • Repairs &

Installation • Full Design & Supply

Package • Wide range of parts in stock, to get your job done all at once!

Ben: 027 767 9660 Hayden: 027 505 7048

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Give Neil a call on 022 451 7207 or email neiljudith@xtra.co.nz

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Robin Oakley and his wife Shirleen, with the 2022 HortNZ Environmental Award Offering: packaged excavation, foundation, drainage & concrete services We can provide tailored packages for projects of all sizes. Excavation work through to finished foundations, patios, driveways and drainage.

Contact our Call in and see us at our new office, based in Darfield experienced team for a fully inclusive quote, packaged to suit your needs - 021 0252 6012

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