At the top of the Hakataramea Valley north of Kurow is Wairua Downs, home of the Wairua Merino stud proudly breeding strong, robust rams producing premium quality fine wools for the high country.
ABOUT
Wairua Merino Stud
This stud was founded in 2020 by Russell Smillie and Kate Taylor in partnership with Steve and Sue Kerr.
Russell was concerned that with the dispersal of the Mt Hay stud, he wouldn’t be able to source rams of this quality from elsewhere, so he and Steve decided to purchase sheep from this stud to continue with this style of hardy sheep and quality bold wool.
Wairua Downs has been buying these rams since 2005 and has been impressed with the improvement of this flock.