About Lourdan Grove

Lourdan Grove became a reality when Alan and Carolyn (Mum and Dad) moved from suburban Christchurch to a lifestyle block some thirty kilometers north of the city. The theory was to start reducing working in the city, build up our knowledge of the land and quietly retire to enjoy country life. Well, most of it happened this way, except one doesn’t retire to the land; the involvement in the land grows and becomes a new and different interest. And so, it was for us.

As the grove had a stand of 56 ten year old walnut trees, Mum and Dad became involved in the Tree Crop Association and the Walnut Industry Group where they built up their knowledge of walnuts, hazels and the nut industry in general. With our own grove we nurtured, harvested and processed the annual crop to produce walnut oil, pickled walnuts, pesto's and similar products to take to the market.  Something i was dragged in as any good son allows himself to be.

It was the hands-on approach that led them to importing the NutHarvesters, firstly for their own use and then to market to other growers. Now that they are no longer on the land, they maintained their interest in the nut industry by continuing to market these and other associated devices. Sadly my father had a battle with cancer and he passed on to me the nut harvesting business. It is a legacy for me and with my involvement over the last decade with Dad,  I am proud to continue on the business as he has.  Alan lost that battle in 2020.

Steve.