Who we are
Summerhill Farm is owned by a charitable trust established by David & Cloie Blackley in 2014 for the purpose of recreation and education in the Papamoa Hills.
This land (126ha) has been unconditionally gifted to the trust and all farm proceeds and donations are used by the trust to maintain and develop the land for all to enjoy.
Summerhill Farm is the home of the Summerhill A1 Academy, a local leadership programme for youth.
In 1959, David & Cloie Blackley came from a remote farm in Wairoa, looking to purchase a property they could develop, close to a growing town. The views won them over and they purchased an initial 100 ha, later adding on 2 adjoining farms.
They raised their 4 daughters on the farm and developed the land into what you see today.
In the late 1950’s with the advent of aerial topdressing, cobalt could be spread on the nutrient deficient soils which cured bush-sickness in the livestock and improved the health of the land significantly.
The property now runs approximately 1000 sheep & 150 cattle on rolling hill country and forestry on the steeper country.
Native bush and riparian areas are predominantly retired and a variety of timber species have been established to diversify the forest estate.
Through a combination of projects to improve the environment at Summerhill, we aim to create a space for all the community to enjoy.
We invite you to explore, enjoy and experience the significance of the Papamoa Hills and be inspired by Summerhill.
Summerhill Charitable Trust
