The Kauri Coast is New Zealand's premier Kumara growing district. We supply close to 95% of the countries total crop.

There are two main factors why this area has proven to be the most suitable place for production.

1. The soil type.

The best soil for growing Kumara is alluvial soil which means mud from the river. The Northern Wairoa river is certainly famous for its mud.

2. Temperature.

Kumara is a semi-tropical vegetable which thrives in temperature's around 24° centigrade but cease to grow below 17°. This means that we have only one chance to grow New Zealand's Kumara crop over the summer.

Firstly the Maori and then pioneer farmers such as Mereana Te paa and Bill Evans proved the feasibility of commercial growing. Today the cultivation of the humble sweet potato is a huge industry in the Kaipara.

In 1850 the traditional Maori Kumara was superseded by a new variety introduced from the American Whaling ship called "The Rainbow". From this new strain came the "Owairaka Red" which is  now the Kauri coasts most popular variety.

Since the late 1920's Kumara growing has become one of the key industries in the region providing 100's of jobs in what was an area reliant upon Kauri timber and gum exports.