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Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 1:21 am
by Inger
PeterO, there is an email service that is available to anyone who would like to receive it. 'Dial-a-Dexter' is a list sent out every 6 weeks (I think) containing all the animals that are for sale or lease, that month. It's a really good way of keeping up with the current pricing trends of Dexters of various grades and colours. Yes the Red and Dun Dexters are worth more, because there are less of them. (Supply & Demand)
If you'd like to subscribe to this email service, contact Karen Managh at digbyhollow@ihug.co.nz and explain that you're moving to NZ and would like to get up to speed with prices here. She can send you the latest list via email. It's a really great service and I refer to my list often.
Where are you thinking of buying here? Or is that still to be decided? It's a big step, but a lot of people from the UK have done it, so you won't be alone. If I can be of any help, please ask. We're always happy to welcome another Dexter breeder to NZ.
:D
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 5:06 pm
by PeterO
Ingar
Early days yet (hope to go next year) but first thoughts are Nelson/Marlborough (expensive) or the Waikato - I spent my childhood at Ngarua. We will spend a couple of months cruising looking for the right property and knowing my wife's affinity for 'hills' will probably end up at Milford Haven or the foothills of the Southern Alps!
Thanks for the offer of help
Peter
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 11:02 pm
by johnp
Peter
I live in the Waikato, at the mouth of a limestone valley, and we also own an abandoned quarry just up the road - you can find some photos of our hills at my wife's website at http://www.crofter.co.nz/waikoha.htm. Feel free to contact me as well for any help.
John
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 11:27 pm
by PeterO
John
I refuse to show my wife or she might leave for NZ now
Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 12:13 pm
by Inger
Yes, the North Island has some reasonably big hills (mountains too) as well, if you would prefer to live in a warmer climate. Waikato land isn't necessarily cheaper either. It's some of the best farming land in NZ. Travelling around for a while is a really good way of finding an area that you just fall in love with. It's a good way of seeing the wonderful variation of scenery that NZ has to offer as well. Enjoy your trip.
I forgot to answer part of your question. Yes, both horned and polled Dexters are available. Many of us do dehorn our Dexters, but some breeders leave them horned.
Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 5:03 pm
by Kathy Millar
If I had to ever leave Canada, I would chose New Zealand. Never been there (some day hopefully!!) but somehow it just seems like home to me. Good luck, Peter.
Kathy who just has to live on an island. :D
Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 11:39 am
by Inger
Kathy, I've always thought it would be nice to visit Canada too. It looks very nice in the films I've seen. In some of the Travel Programmes we have on TV here, they say the shopping is very good as well. :D
Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 3:30 pm
by Kathy Millar
Inger, I've never seen a travel doc about New Zealand. I've just seen photos and that old TV series they made based on Ngio Marsh's spy novels. Good shopping?? I haven't been to town for over a week and I can't remember when I was in the Mall last. Now my mother was a expert shopper. Let no sale go unattended was her motto. Used to take her to Victoria for her monthly fix ???
Kathy
Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 12:08 pm
by Sarah
Hi All,
We are seriously concidering the big move to New Zealand too. Had the most amazing holiday out there last year events got in the way a bit last year with family so just couldn't bring myself to make the move but am now looking again to move, there are a few oppertunities available to us in Blenheim we have a few friends there and some more going back later this year our big idea is to raise stock but not 100% sure what yet, Dexters have been mentioned but all still in the planning stages. I'll keep you posted as to when we plan to move I don't anticipate it'll be before christmas - planning is everything in these situations. Good luck Peter may even see you out there!!
Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 1:59 pm
by mindenho
One of these days I'll go back to NZ. It is such a beatiful country and can't have changed too much since 1974 - or has it? Good to meet you the other day Sarah, and if you do go down under and sell Martha and Daisy I would certainly be interested in Daisy. Hope she calves OK.
Erica :;):
Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 2:47 pm
by PeterO
Sarah
Not sure how far along the path you are in terms of Residency etc (or are you an expat Kiwi like me). If you want a running commentary on NZ matters/migration see http://www.uk2nz.co.uk/ in particular the forum
Peter
Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 10:05 pm
by 106-1100209741
Hi folks
I know it's not nearly the same as going there personally (or actually living there) but I watched New Zealand - Coast To Coast (2001) on DVD last night. It showed mostly coastal areas but farming was mentioned. A relaxing way to get some idea of the various areas.
Best wishes
June
Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 11:18 pm
by Inger
New Zealand has so many types of topography all crammed together in the two main Islands, that you can any kind of scenery you want, all within a few hours flying time of each other. That's one of the reasons they made 'Lord of the Rings' here, because it was easy for Peter Jackson to get from one film location to another, without spending too much time flying. 
I guess the Coast-to-Coast race was the one held in the South Island, June. There's another whole Island left to explore. :D You must come over for a holiday some year. Say the end of January or in February. The weather should be settled by then, so you'd have a lovely time.
We live in the Bay of Islands, which is up in the Northern part of the North Island. The scenery around here is beautiful and we get a lot of overseas tourists in our area every Summer. We usually have warm Winters as well. Only a few frosts each year.
Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 9:44 pm
by 106-1100209741
The Coast to Coast I watched was not the race but, and I quote from the dvd case, "a look at the very best of New Zealand". It was made by New Zealand Video Tours Ltd so I'm sure they must have lots of other dvds about your lovely country. (They're website is www.nzvt.co.nz)
I may be being awkward here but it seems to me that seeing NZ in the winter would be better ie seeing the country warts and all so to speak. Having said that, should the opportunity arise I don't think the time of the year would be offputting!
Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 8:41 am
by Sylvia
I have this rather fanciful picture in my mind of either 3 very large boats (or several large planes if everyone is feeling flush) one crammed to the gills with Dexter owners the rest close behind kitted out for most of the Dexter cattle population of the UK to travel in comfort, all chugging away from these shores and heading to New Zealand. Time I pulled myself together!