Then, an approach from Taupo entrepreneur Gary Akers in the mid-1970s permanently changed direction on Kitenui.
He funded the breeding hinds for Murray and Barbara to farm, with both parties taking a share in the progeny.
“If it hadn’t been for the investor this industry would never had gotten where it was so quickly,” Murray says.
“We needed money. It was the only time in the history of farming in New Zealand where town money went into the country. You will never see that again.”
Deer farming took off quickly. With stags selling for $200 and beef calves $50, Murray and Barbara phased out cattle to make room for deer.
“We would go to a sale with five hinds and come home with $25,000. It was an unbelievable time of our lives.”
Murray Matuschka discovered this old Australian flying doctor plane sitting unused at Taupo Airport.
KEY POINTS
- Deer industry stalwart honoured for services to the industry
- Murray and Barbara Matuschka among the first NZ deer farmers
- Kitenui Farm is 187ha near Taupo
- Farming deer alongside a tourist park with exotic animals
