Episode 62 - Inverary Station: How to build a long-lasting equity partnership

In this episode,  as part of our Country-Wide Autumn Special Report: Pathways to Farm Ownership, we explore the journey of establishing a successful equity partnership at Inveray, a historic family sheep and beef farm in Mount Somers, Canterbury.

John Chapman and Bert Oliver share how they transitioned from a traditional ownership model to a collaborative business structure, underpinned by trust, aligned values, and a shared long-term vision. 

Guests:

1. John Chapman, Owner, Inverary Station
2. Bert Oliver, Farm Manager, Inverary Station

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide

John Chapman’s family have been farming at Inveray Station in Canterbury for nearly a century, tracing its roots back to his father’s purchase of the farm in 1928. He discusses the evolution of the property, now spanning over 4,250 hectares, and the importance of succession planning as his children chose not to pursue farming. Chapman highlights the pivotal moment when he and his family decided to keep the farm while bringing in new energy through an equity partnership. 

Bert Oliver, a first-generation sheep farmer, shares his journey from growing up on a small piggery in Oamaru to managing and ultimately entering an equity partnership at Inveray in Canterbury. He reflects on his early experience in sheep farming across the high country and his move to Mount Somers, where he and his wife Kate were drawn to Inveray’s unique mix of development potential and challenging hill country. Oliver discusses the early conversations with the Chapman family, the importance of building a strong working relationship, and the gradual shift from management to partnership. 

Bert emphasises that their shared values and John & Anne’s commitment to continuous development aligned with their farming career goals. Chapman believes that successful partnerships are built on communication, generosity, and mutual respect, noting that trust and shared vision are essential for enduring success in modern farming.

The Chapman & Oliver’s top tips:

• Surround yourself with trusted advisors
• Clearly define your personal and professional values from the outset. 
• The importance of communication and reflecting on your communication style
• Having long-term thinking and planning beyond the partnership
• Find where the mutual benefit lies for a sustainable business model.

To read the full article on the Country-Wide website, visit: https://country-wide.co.nz/better-together-building-a-successful-equity-partnership/ 

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