Hello from the bustling village of Pongaroa

Hi, Ben and Barry here. This year we have sold our home in Thames and purchased a lifestyle block of almost 9 acres near Pongaroa. For those who have not visited this megacropolis (population 32) it is located an hours drive southeast of Dannevirke. It is isolated with no broadband except for satellite, no cell phone coverage (we consider that a blessing), and a 10 km drive down a winding metal road. The house is a hundred years old and still standing up to the winds so common here. Chickens are free range, mixed breeds with all the colours of the rainbow. First Indian Runner ducks due to hatch under a broody hen on Christmas day. But still searching for our elusive geese or goose eggs to help control the grass in the paddocks. Looking forward to chatting here and would appreciate any help in locating some geese or eggs and also guinea fowl eggs for the incubator. Anyone in the area feel free to drop in, but remember to call from Dannevirke first . . . remember, no cell phones.

Welcome to the forum, Ben and Barry, and congratulations on finding what sounds a lovely place. Look forward to hearing more about it.

What a shame you live so far away - I have 3 Pilgrim geese, including a female, that I'm trying to rehome. You must be really excited about the forthcoming Indian Runner hatchings. Great Christmas present.

Cheers, Mich.

ah - sunny Pongaroa..... camped there a few months ago so hubby could play golf: the tent was near horizontal with the wind overnight but the local coffee nearly made up for lack of phone reception while I waited for the happy golfer in the sun. Anyway.... we have recently moved to equally "bustling" Nuhaka and I noted this site recently as may be useful to us when and if we ever get organised. May be of some use to you - even if just to ask where they source their eggs from (I believe it's word of mouth, local people. Maybe) www.manurau.co.nz/

Welcome to the site

MacFitz - that sounds exactly what i have in mind when i hit retirement - population and isolation -wise!

try this guy here for geese: avonstour.co.nz/index.php?page=livestock

i know he's got flocks of them on his paddocks.

Welcome Ben and Barry. Sound idyllic. You will enjoy it in here too, very helpful site.