Hereford

Hereford Highlights

Maungahina still holds a New Zealand record price for a Polled Hereford. In 1984 Kingston Santiago sold for $80,000 to the late Cklas Hawkins of Australia.

Premier 25C Standout was purchased in 2001 for the top price of $43,000 at the National Bull Sale. Standout has a major influence in Maungahinas’ herd. His first sons sold in the 2005 Maungahina Bull Sale for the average of $10,013 for 15 bulls, with five Stud bulls sold. He passed away at 11 years.

Semen rights sold in 2004 to Elfdale Stud Australia for $30,000 in Fastrak.

Champion and top price at 1994 National Bull Sale for Okahu Genetic of $26,000.

The 1996 Sydney Royal Show champion Northfield Bundaberg was purchased by Maungahina for $30,000.

Maungahina W Graceful sold for $28,000 in 2007. A New Zealand All breeds record price for an in calf heifer.

Hereford Stud History

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Donald McKenzie (1907-1934)

Donald McKenzie was born in Fortrose, Scotland and along with his family emigrated to New Zealand in 1851 at just three years old. 

The family settled in the Hutt Valley where they lived for 10 years. They then moved to East Taratahi, near Carterton to farm a 829 acre property, which they did for 10 years.

Then in 1873 he purchased 4926 acres, of which 700 acres was freehold and the balance leasehold, with rental paid to seven Maori. Donald McKenzie, who settled at the Woodlands property, was a successful farmer and renowned for his sound judgement of stock, not just restricted to cattle but he was a well known breeder of light horses.

Following this he began breeding pure-bred Herefords and his name became familiar in New Zealand show rings. This included a visit to the Sydney Royal Show with two animals which celebrated reasonable success.

Donald was also president of the New Zealand Hereford Breeders’ Association in 1916. Donald was known as a forceful character, who often vehemently argued with those he had dealings with.

He went on to buy large blocks of land. The first known as Puke Te, then Maungahina, which sons Jack and Jim became established on. Cavelands, a third property and on the boundary to Puke Te was bought much later.

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James McKenzie and Jim McKenzie (1922 - 1969)

After the death of James McKenzie in 1934 the stud was run by James (Jim) McKenzie, and in 1946 he started the 1st Bull Sale at Maungahina. James (Jim) died in 1969 and fourth generation Bruce McKenzie took over the stud. 

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Bruce McKenzie (present)

A polled herd was established in 1973 and a top polled sire bought from England in 1974. Then in 1982, the entire Waiorongomai herd (Waio prefix) was bought. The Waio bloodlines are still identified in the herd today with a “W”. Maungahina cattle have a sound following with many loyal buyers, some properties regularly buying from 1913 and continuing today. Many are well known Wairarapa properties, including Mamaku, owned by the Williams family and the Matthews at Waiorongomai who have bought since 1914.  Also the 4th generation of the McDonalds family. 

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Mark McKenzie (2006 - Present)

Handing over to Mark (5th generation) in 2006. Bruce and his son Mark continue the policy to raise and sell bulls in natural conditions and nurture the reputation the Maungahina name has commanded from its inception.