A heritable possession: a history of Akitio and Aramoana Stations, 1872-1942

Abstract

There have been very few studies made in depth of early New Zealand pastoralists, although these men were very important as a political force on a national and local level. The Armstrongs of Akitio and McHardys of Aramoana represent this group. They are particularly typical of the more successful of their contemporaries who became nationally known as expert breeders of stock. Because of their extensive landholdings, they were able to obtain finance and the expertise to make a financial success from their farming enterprises. They used their landholdings as a negotiable asset, disposing of blocks (which were marginal to the successful operation of the station) at times of financial difficulty. Most of the profits from farming were reinvested back into their properties, on fencing, buildings, improvement to stock and pastures. In this way they were able to retain their land in times of economic depression while their less efficient neighbours were forced to sell. Families like the McHardys and Armstrongs are important also because of the role they played at a local level. They lived in conditions of extreme isolation. This meant that their stations were focal points for many activities. The station was a large employer of labour in the days before the Second World war; it provided social outlets for its staff. Those people who worked on stations like Akitio and Aramoana developed a strong sense of community and identification with the station which remains today. In addition, the station acted as a nursery for future development in the area. Land subdivision allowed for an influx of new settlers into the area; skilled workers on the station accumulated the necessary finance and knowledge to begin their own farming enterprises. As more settlers arrived in an area, there was added pressure for improvements to roads, communications and transport facilities. Many of the small servicing settlements which thrived in remote areas before the 1920s, have now disappeared. The constant feature in isolated areas like Akitio and Aramoana, were the landowners. They have been able to stay because the development of better roads and motor transport has meant that families have been able to reach and take advantage of facilities and services offered by larger provincial centres. In addition, the improvement to their pastures, brought about by aerial topdressing, has meant that living in isolation has become more profitable.