THE FARM was established in early 2018 by Pearl and Ryan Downton. It was once former working orchard that had been run into disrepair. The Downton's have restored the 400 tree organic lemon grove, hundreds of heirloom fruit trees, bee hives and the extensive herb and hydroponic gardens.

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Pearl grew up on the island and has called the island home her entire life. Her families roots are deep in Northland organic farming and she is fifth generation farming blood. When she and her husband Ryan her American husband had their first child they began searching for a second base away from their home in Austin, Texas. Waiheke was the obvious choice and they purchased THE FARM with the goal of giving their children open space to run around and a taste of the kiwi childhood Pearl grew up with.

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THE FARM has been undergoing the strict organic certification processes and serves as the home base of The Āta Group which is invested in organic farming practices internationally. THE FARM features grow houses and gardens produce is used in the Āta Skin Nutrition, Āta Tea Apothecary products and the newly established direct to consumer Chef's Garden initiative. 

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With organic agave farming ventures already established in the Jalisco Highlands of Mexico, Pearl is the maker of 'ISLA FAMILIA the first award winning tequila of Āta Agave which has collected numerous medals internationally. THE FARM features a tequila tasting shed which will be operational Summer 2020/2021 once permitting is finished, they have also begun limoncello production at a distillery off site. 

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Our newest Chef's Garden initiative aims to bring high grade picked to order restaurant quality produce direct from our garden to Waiheke consumers. The initiative has been developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic response and hopes to be fully operational winter 2020.

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