One of the greats in New Zealand farming and conservation, James Alastair Hay Guild, MNZM, of High Peak Station in the Canterbury high country, has died.
Guild, a highly respected steward of the land, much loved husband, father and friend, lost his three-year battle with prostate cancer at the weekend, leaving an enduring legacy within NZ agriculture.
A true guardian of the land who championed environmental stewardship and advocated for sustainable farming practices, Guild arrived on High Peak in 1973 to an undeveloped foothills valley in inland Canterbury.
Government incentives of the time encouraged development of the land, but he soon saw the need to balance this approach with the protection of High Peak’s unique natural attributes.
This was the beginning of a lifelong passion for agriculture and conservation.
Just two months ago Guild and his sons Hamish and Simon were named the 2024 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing, and the recipients of NZ’s most prestigious farm environment award, the Gordon Stephenson Trophy.
This was one of the last big moments for James Guild, who said the win was “an incredible honour”.
He said on the night: “My challenge to my family behind me is to take the Gordon Stephenson mantle and go out and carry on the good work of the Farm Environment Trust in extending the best land management systems that we can in New Zealand.”
The award judges praised the family for a combination of an exemplary farming operation, from a financial, social and environmental perspective, and the ability to give well-informed responses and views on a range of pan-sector topics, including particular awareness of global markets and how products are seen offshore.
The 3760 hectare farm runs 3500 deer, mainly for venison, along with producing four tonnes of velvet, plus 1000 weaners for finishing each year, alongside separate entities of sheep and beef; honey; forestry; and tourism ventures including guided hunting and heli-skiing, each bringing strengths to ensure a sustainable and robust business.
Guild spent over 50 years dedicated to farming, conservation and the deer industry, holding numerous industry positions across all three sectors at all levels.
He was a chair for nine years of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, responsible for the protection of private land for conservation.
He believed the QEII National Trust’s work with farmers was “living proof” that agricultural production and conservation can coexist on farm.
In his time as chair the organisation grew to support more than 190,000ha of covenant land as the trust at one stage was taking in up to 300 new covenants a year.
About 60% of covenants were held by farmers, with the average size being about 30ha.
Guild advocated that the attraction for farmers in holding a covenant included preserving a unique feature for future generations.
It could assist in developing a farm environment plan by demonstrating “green behaviour” and may improve the land value.
High Peak Station has several covenants across the property largely based around water and biodiversity.
Guild had a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the deer industry.
Over a period of 40 years he was councillor and president of the NZ Deer Farmers Association, director of the Game Industry Board, director of the Cervena Trust, inaugural chair of Provelco Co-op Ltd, president of the NZ Association of Game Estates, and chaired the organising committee of the first World Deer Congress.
He advised the government on issues such as animal welfare and livestock tax, and was on the Game Animal Council Establishment Committee, whose work led to the development of the Game Animal Council Act.
He represented the NZ deer industry at many events around the world, including at the World Deer Biology Conference in the United States.
While Guild and his wife Anna were semi-retired, they were still involved, overseeing and assisting all High Peak operations and hosting guests at the homestead.
Guild subscribed to the “Three Fs” philosophy of life – Friends, Family and Fine Scotch!
He is survived by his wife Anna and children Simon, Hamish and Amelia and their families.
His life will be celebrated at High Peak Station on Wednesday, September 11.
