The property was put on the market in June and there were fears its sale could lead to the closure of its training school, which has been operating since 2007.
But it is business as usual for the 1679ha station near Hunterville after a group of local farmers and business people got together and bought the property for an undisclosed price.
The group’s was one of four tenders received for the property.
Otiwhiti spokesman Charlie Duncan, who will continue to run the school, said the new owners, who want to remain anonymous, have experience in farming, training and business in the area.
They are committed to the station continuing to be run both as a farm and a school to train young people for hill country employment in the Hunterville and Taihape area.
“It’s a great outcome. From our perspective it’s absolutely fantastic.”
The philanthropic role Otiwhiti has always had remains and the new arrangement shows the community’s support for the school, he said.
“The sale was a good outcome for the community, which voiced its support and desire for the continuance of the school to support their businesses.”
Even during the sale process, which could have been unsettling for those applying for places at the training school, just under 50 applications were received for the 16 places available in 2020. Interviews have been recently completed.
As part of the new arrangement, Otiwhiti and Westoe farm, a lower lying property near Marton that was leased by Duncan, is now under the same ownership. Westoe will be used as a finishing farm to complement the hill country property.
