Gallagher Group, Sharemilker, and Maori Cultural Experience

This morning we had the opportunity of traveling to Gallagher International for a tour. Their world headquarters are located in Hamilton, New Zealand. Upon arrival, we were split into three groups to tour the facility. 80% of all products made at the location are used for export. The location has been there since 1938. We appreciated Gallagher and their staff for talking the time to educated us about all of those products and how their electric fencing has evolved with time.

Following a brief lunch in Morrinsville, more commonly known as “Cow Town,” we proceeded to Tremeer: Preston Wills Limited Dairy. This dairy spans over 500 acres and serves as home to 700 dairy cows. Upon arriving at the dairy, we were able to catch a glimpse of a milk transfer truck, expected to obtain 19,000 liters from the dairy for today. Grant Wills and Chad Winke, a native of Iowa, delivered our tour of the large dairy in the midst of the prime milking time of 2:30 p.m. We were introduced to the several types of feed administered to their cattle, the milking parlor, and calving stalls. This particular operation functions as a sharemilking dairy, a practice unique to New Zealand.

In the evening we had the opportunity to have an insight look at the Maori culture by visiting the Tamaki village in Rotorua. The evening started by the Tamaki tribe picking us up at our hotel. We drove a short distance to their tribal land not far out of town. Once we got to the Tamaki’s village we were greeted by the Haka dance which is performed by the best warriors the tribe has to offer. They place a “tiki” in front of our chief to show that we came in peace and not for war. Once we got into the village we moved around different stations learning about the ins and outs of the Maori culture. This was all summed up with a “hangi” the traditional Maori meal that is cooked underground consisting of chicken, lamb, vegetables, and potatoes.

-Emilie James, Michael Scott, Courtney Mapes, McKenzie Carvalho, and Parker Smith