Every summer for the past 104 years, generations of Maniototo farming families have moved their sheep into the mountains for summer grazing to remove the pressure from their downland properties.
The ewes were shifted out at the beginning of February and this week mustered to return home.
The syndicate’s origins came from the carving off of some of Kyeburn Station’s land when returned soldiers were given the chance to settle, through a ballot, in the aftermath of World War 1.
There was a still a large tract of land and it was suggested the successful applicants form a syndicate to make use of the area. Over the ensuing years, shareholding has changed frequently and now only three families remain - the Smiths, Scotts and McAtamneys - who continue the yearly pilgrimage to the Ida Range.
While there have been other similar syndicates throughout New Zealand, including in the Patearoa area, they have virtually all disbanded.
The Soldiers Syndicate remains an important part of the Maniototo’s history - and that of New Zealand’s pastoral sector.
The syndicate is administered by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand. Yesterday, commissioner of Crown lands Craig Harris said he was pleased to be finalising the details for a special lease, recognising the value of the syndicate’s management of the land in partnership with the Crown.
It was expected to have the agreement in place over the coming months.
