James Kellow has taken an unconventional path into farming with the purchase of Lighthouse Station on the Āwhitu Peninsula in 2017 for a deep connection to his rural roots and a desire to create something enduring.
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with James Kellow about transforming Lighthouse Station Farm from a former dairy farm into a regenerative beef and gamebird estate.
Guest:
- James Kellow, Lighthouse Station Farm
Host:
- Sarah Perriam-Lampp, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Country-Wide
Originally a dairy unit, Lighthouse Station has since been transformed as James shifted to beef grazing better suited to the light soils, and over time, has planted more than 300,000 native trees to restore biodiversity and build ecological resilience. The land is home to historic sites, walking trails, and a decommissioned lighthouse that attracts regular public visitors.
Driven by a passion for conservation and heritage, James has also established an upland gamebird estate—importing traditional techniques and UK-trained gamekeepers to breed and release pheasants, partridge, and even native grey ducks. The enterprise balances sport, predator control, and community engagement, while supporting thriving populations of both native and introduced birdlife.
His approach is hands-on but collaborative. With no formal farming background, James relies on the expertise of his farm manager and a wide network of advisors. Mistakes are met with pragmatism, and success measured not only by stock or yield, but by soil health, habitat restoration, and the steady return of bird song.
James believes that resilience is at the heart of farming—resilience of land, people, and systems. He sees farming not just as a livelihood, but as a long-term investment in place, community, and purpose. While the return on investment might not compare to urban property development, the rewards, he says, are immeasurable.
Read about James’ story here.
Subscribe to Country-Wide magazine for $79/year for four seasonal magazines including free postage annually: https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/
SUBSCRIBE TO THE COUNTRY-WIDE WEEKLY EMAIL
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com