The Country 22/07/26: John McOviney talks to Jamie Mackay

We chew the fat with a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer who is also the chief executive of Steelfort.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
By day. He is the chief executive of Steel Thoughts.
His name is John macka any bit by night and
weekends and probably all the spare of thinking time. He's
a Whiteomo, sheep and beef farmer. John, you won't be
selling too many lawn mowers at the moment and the
depths of winter, but talk to me about the lawn
mowers on your farm. They have been very profitable this year.

Speaker 2 (00:22):
Well, Jamie, I can say that, good afternoon. I can
say that. You know, I've been farming in Earnest since
oneteen seventy nine when we bought our first property, which
was in the Rangatiki. This We've had a couple of
reasonable years in between, I suppose you could say, but
nothing substantial. But this is the first year, you know

(00:43):
that I can actually say that we have had. You know,
I have got money to spend on the farm, and
that's exactly what I have done. You know, We've we've
put probably half a million bucks with the fertilizer on.
We've put new side beside, we've spade gaus, we've spent
money on fencing, we've put new vachief radios through and

(01:06):
we should be able to do that anyway. You know,
we're meant to be the backbone of the country and
if you can't spend that sort of money on new
facilities for the people and the guys that work out there,
then there's something wrong. And you know, I'm very seedful
that we've had a very very good year long wait continue.

Speaker 1 (01:24):
Well, absolutely, it's about time the sheep farmers in particular
had a profitable season. Now, going back to nineteen seventy nine,
I mean, you've the steel thought business has been in
your family for goodness knows how long were you were
you a sil of a spoon of john Did you
get the farm handed to you on the plate?

Speaker 2 (01:43):
No? No, My father, as you knows, Croatian, and there
was no farming background. I mean I've sort of quoted
before Jamie on a closet farmer. You know, it's something
that I really enjoy and I've wanted to do it,
and I managed to convince my father to put up
some serious money in those days as well, you know,

(02:04):
to buy this eight hundred hectier property in the Rangatiki
and that's when we really first started. And you know,
I've grown from there and I'm as old as the
company is now, so I made you this year. So
the company's eighty years old this year. So you know,
I've loved my farming program over the years. And yeah,

(02:27):
but I was never handed, you know, a farm and
a succession plan, that's for sure.

Speaker 1 (02:34):
What is it about you? Eighty year old? Still going strong? You?
And Oney, you.

Speaker 2 (02:38):
Know, he's a breath of fresh air in many respects.
And you know when you see a guy he's about
twelve months older than me, but you know he's trapsing
around the world, jumping on aircraft, flying here, there and everywhere.
I mean, you know, he is amazing in terms of
his energy. And I've got to admnd that guy very
very much.

Speaker 1 (02:57):
Did you pick up on the commentary made by Prime
Minister Christopher Luxon earlier in the show about the RAMA
reforms and this consultation with EWE And he's dead right.
The fact that you had to or maybe would have
had to have consulted with EWI to put a farmhouse
on your farm is just ridiculous. We have gone way

(03:19):
too far.

Speaker 2 (03:20):
Oh, you won't get any argument out of me. I mean,
the things that go on in this country that people
aren't aware of, you know, and I am absolutely pleased
to see that that's happening. As far as the RMA,
I mean, Jeffrey Palmer wrote that legislation. I don't know
how forty years ago or thirty five years ago. The
worst thing this country has had inflicted on it for many,

(03:44):
many years. And we're still, you know, having the problems today.
And sooner they get rid of that rama, the better,
you know. I think it's divided that you know, not
only that, but the verification of this country has divided it.
And it's all happened in Jasenda his time. And you know,

(04:04):
I mean, just you just have a look at the things.
I mean, I will cite that one in the local
port here in Tower. I mean, where are we as
a country when that sort of thing's happened. And you know,
and that's what Laxon needs to do. And you say,
you know, his backside and get rid of that sort
of garbage.

Speaker 1 (04:20):
All right there you go. Strong words there from John
mcka any. Good luck selling some lawn mowers when the
grass does grow. We're only about a month away from
doing that. Get one of those cup get it right ons,
They're great, mos. John, Thanks for your time.

Speaker 2 (04:31):
Hey, listen, I just wanted to say, well, I've got
you on the phone. What a fantastic feat that was
young Ryan Foxes, wasn't it. I mean, you know, I
think that's an amazing feat that he has done, and
I congratulate that guy one of the true icons who
will be as far as New Zealand is concerned. I mean, Jamie,
you and I have played golf. We know what a

(04:52):
difficult game it is that you know, for him to
do that coming home in the stretch and get that
last cut was absolutely fantastic.

Speaker 1 (04:59):
Yeah, but I've got an excuse. I don't live on
the eighth fairway of Mount Mongana we golf course like
you do. John. You should be better. Thanks for your time.

Speaker 2 (05:08):
Nice to talk Jamie anyway.