We're proof that you don't need to be born on the land to fall in love with it.
We both grew up in Australia, spent time living in the US and Europe, and somewhere along the way realised what we really craved was somewhere to put down roots - a place with all the seasons. In 2012 we chose Aotearoa and this hill country farm, and set about transforming a gorse-ridden property into our home and native sanctuary.
We had "corporate" jobs - me Heike, in international marketing, and Andrew developing software. We knew a lot about coding, product launches, events, and deadlines, and almost nothing about farming. Committing to 55 acres of hill country farm was either brave or a little mad, depending on who you ask. What followed was a steep education - the kind that comes with real stakes and every emotion you can imagine along the way. And we wouldn't trade a moment of it.
From the moment we took over as custodians of this place we started planting - for erosion control, shade and habitat. In 2018, we expanded our native planting massively, focusing on creating a sanctuary and getting a QEII covenant to ensure it's protected forever.
These days the farm is home to our flock of Wiltshire sheep, our two beautiful Vizsla sisters who supervise most things around here, and Jack, our thoroughly spoiled horse.
We're keen foodies at heart, and farm life enables us to grow high quality heirloom produce to nourish ourselves and our visitors. We brew our own beer, make cultured butter, and are always chasing a good drop of wine. We love travelling and experiencing different cultures around the world - and we've brought a bit of that curiosity home, into how we farm, cook, and host.
Higgenz Farm is our home and sanctuary, and we'd love to share it with you. Come and experience it for yourself.
"This isn't just our project - it's a journey we invite you to be part of."
We believe in leaving the land better than we found it. Every decision we make considers the long-term health of the soil, the water, and the ecosystem. Our farming practices are light-touch and build soil, sequester carbon, and create habitat, regenerating the land for future generations.
Food connects us to the land, to the seasons, to each other. Whether it's a fresh egg from our chickens, vegetables from our garden, or watching tui return to our restored bush, these connections remind us what truly matters. We welcome visitors who want to experience this connection for themselves.
We're not just owners of this land, we're temporary caretakers. Our QEII covenant ensures that Higgenz Bush will be protected forever, regardless of who owns the farm in the future. This is stewardship in action: thinking beyond ourselves to protect what matters.
We're part of a growing movement of people who believe in protecting and restoring Aotearoa's unique ecosystems.
We're proud to partner with the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII), whose open space covenants protect significant natural and cultural features on private land across Aotearoa, forever.
We are very proud to be sponsoring Olive, a rescued kārearea (falcon) at the Kārearea Falcon Trust.
Olive was found with a badly broken wing and was nursed back to health by incredible volunteers and staff at the Kārearea Falcon Trust in Marlborough.
Kārearea NZ Falcon wins bird of the year again in 2025!
We are now also proudly sponsoring Norm, who is part of the breeding program at the Kārearea Falcon Trust.
Norm was a chick from the breeding pair Dash and Wilson.
Norm entered into our breeding program after bonding with our female Tussock. They have successfully raised 19 chicks together since 2016, all of these chicks have all been released to the wild.