Experienced Hawke’s Bay Farmers Seeking Long-Term Lease Opportunity

About us

We are Malcolm and Annabelle Campbell, born and raised in Hawke’s Bay and currently living in Central Hawke’s Bay, with our three young daughters. Farming has been a part of our lives from the start, and we are passionate about continuing that tradition.

Malcolm has a diploma in farm management from Lincoln University and spent years working both locally and across the globe, gaining diverse farming experience before returning to New Zealand. Annabelle, after building a career in cheffing, has started a hockey coaching business and works part-time as a receptionist.

For the past 2.5 years, we have been leasing a 170ha farm where we’ve successfully run 100 dairy grazers, 120 R2 beef heifers, have brought in weaners, and finished 800-1000 trade lambs each year. While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, our lease runs out in June 2025, so we’re actively looking for the next step in our farming journey.

Our business goals

Our primary goal is to build a sustainable farming business that will eventually lead to farm ownership. Leasing has allowed us to build equity, and we are determined to keep this momentum going. Ideally, we are looking for a lease block between 800-1000 acres that can sustain Malcolm full-time, though we’re flexible and open to smaller opportunities around 150ha if it fits the right partnership. We are driven by a desire to grow quality livestock, improve the land, and create long-term security for our family and future.

Why we’re exploring farming partnership opportunities

Farming partnerships allow us to focus on what we do best: growing a profitable farming operation while leaving the land in better condition than we found it. We’ve proven our ability to work collaboratively with landowners, and leasing offers us the flexibility to continue farming with autonomy while working toward our end goal of ownership. We understand the importance of a fair and transparent partnership, and we’re looking for an opportunity where both parties benefit from mutual respect and open communication.

What we would value most in a partnership

Honesty, transparency, and flexibility are the foundations of a successful partnership for us. We believe in getting everything on the table upfront. Whether it’s about the current state of the land or potential improvements, we value an open dialogue and are happy to work together to make those things happen. We’re community people and we're also more than willing to assist our lessor in any way, if needed.

Why we would be a great partner

We are hardworking, trustworthy, and experienced farmers. Over the years, we have demonstrated a consistent ability to adapt, innovate, and succeed. Whether it’s through careful stock management or improving the land, we strive to leave every farm we work on better than we found it. With support from our advisors, we ensure that our business is run professionally and sustainably.

We don’t require housing, as we already have our own home and a few acres, so the focus can remain on a farming opportunity.

In the end, we’re not just looking for land to farm, but for a partnership that meets both parties' needs. If you are looking for dedicated, honest, and driven people to work with, we believe we could be a great fit.