Rural Trader Blogs

New Zealand Alpacas

by Samantha Van der Sande |  Saturday, 31 January 2009 New Zealand Alpacas

New Zealand Alpacas is conveniently situated in the centre of the triangle between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga on State Highway 1, 8kms south of Cambridge. It is the home of one of the largest alpaca herds in the North Island with over 300 alpacas running on the 28 hectare property.

Owners Chris and Tasha Leach are committed to the long-term development of the alpaca industry. They are importers and breeders of top quality stock and boast the largest number of pure-bred Peruvian animals in the country. The breeding practices are aimed at increasing fibre quality and quantity, improving soundness of conformation of their animals and maintaining genetic diversity.    

In addition to farming the alpacas, New Zealand Alpacas provide husbandry and stud services to alpaca breeders throughout the North Island. The company works in partnership with Surico Alpacas (Rotorua) and Paqocha Alpaca Farm (Miranda) and offer the famed mobile mating services “Squeals on Wheels” 

  Chris and Tasha have been involved in managing some of the largest herds of alpaca outside South America. They first became involved in alpacas in 1996 when they where responsible for establishing and managing the first privately owned offshore quarantine facility in Niue. Since then, they have worked with alpacas in the UK, Peru, Chile, Australia and have between them, a wealth of practical experience and knowledge.     

Chris and Tasha’s global involvement with the alpaca industry has provided NZ Alpacas with access to the very best animals and has placed the Karapiro stud firmly in the forefront of the New Zealand industry.   

Chris is a registered exporter and has been involved in the export of alpacas from New Zealand to counties as diverse as the UK, Switzerland, Taiwan and Japan  

Services provided at New Zealand Alpacas:

  • Farm visits welcomed. Chris and Tasha will discuss all aspects of alpacas, their management and the industry. Furthermore, they can give advice and guidance on initial purchase and farm set-up. 
  • There are over 300 alpacas on the farm, including quality pregnant females and gelded males for sale at competitive prices. 
  • New Zealand Alpacas boasts the largest selection of proven males standing at stud in the country, ensuring genetic diversity for herd improvement. 

  • They are happy to manage your alpacas for you in our agistment (livery) program. If you wish to invest in this growing industry and have no suitable land at present, New Zealand Alpacas can provide expert care and management for you. 
  • Advice and ongoing support on all aspects of the alpaca industry: husbandry, fibre marketing, sales, stock selection and more. The company runs regular on-farm husbandry fieldays aimed to assist those new to the industry and provide specialist clinics for those wishing to further their skills and knowledge. 
  • Shearing and husbandry service available and can, if required, shear, worm, vaccinate and trim the toes of your alpacas for you.  

 

New Zealand Alpacas

Ph.: (07) 823 3551

Fax.: (07) 823 3115

Email: info@nzalpacas.com

Web.: www.nzalpacas.com  

 

Related Poll