Kaimanawa wild horses

May 12th, 2009

During the drought a couple of years ago one of the ‘save the horses’ groups asked me to graze on my land a number of horses that had not been bought after a Kaimanawa muster.

The horses (a dozen) were duly delivered, on condition that the Trust look after them, and come back to break a couple of them for our use, and eventually take them away (when the drought was over). They were led to a 1000 acre ‘paddock’.

After several months of exploring as one mob, they divided into 3 groups. 12 have become 15 with at least 3 foals.

They are not scared of us or our vehicles. In the dark the scaring goes the other way, when they bolt with a thunder of hooves. They look marvellous, tails streaming as they cross the skyline.

But now the Trust seems to have vanished. If anyone knows how to contact Murray Haitana please let me know. I’m not very concerned, but I did not intend to establish a wild herd.

Filed under Politics

Comments

Hi Stephen. I have referred this query regarding the kaimanawas on your property to the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Welfare Trust (KWHWT).

I would stress that this Trust is in no way associated or affiliated with the Haitana group.

They are, however, and excellent organisation whose members are deeply concerned for the welfare of all kaimanawas. I am sure they will be happy to provide as much information and advice as they can with regards to your situation.

You may also find that the muster team at the Department of Conservation will be able to give you an update on the situation with the Haitana group.

Good luck, the kaimanawas sound magnificent.

Regards, Kyna Hart.

Hi Stephen

Post some pics please! I’d love to see them

Horses and the Haitanas.
Did they have a “Bold Personality” or were they wrapped up in “Fine Cotton”?

Hi Stephen,

My name is name is Martin Foote. I am one of the Co-Founding Trustees of WHOA.

My understanding is that Murray Haitana is living at Flock House, near Bulls, along with other family members.

Murray Haitana ripped off WHOA and myself. Murray also used the time when I trusted him as a fellow Trustee and friend, as I understand it, to sell the horse programmes WHOA developed to the new owners of Flockhouse for the benefit of himself and his family.

I have given all the WHOA books to a government investigator, I believe her name is Jean Taylor of the Ministry of Social Development.

I am sincerely sorry that I, as a Trustee of WHOA, have let you down. Unfortunatly the expert horseman and herd managers job was Murray Haitana’s. I trusted and believed that he would fulful the role in a responsible manner and as it turned out he wasn’t able to be trusted with this role for the benefit of the horses or the WHOA kids that put their trust in us.

If you can flush Murray out there are other landowners in much the same boat as you that would like to talk with him.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully

Martin Foote

Hi Stephen,
I'm from the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Welfare Trust Inc. I was just wondering if you still have the WHOA Trust's Kaimanawa horses on your land? We would love to know if you still have them or if not, where they ended up.
We're still very interested in assisting you with these horses, should that be required.

Kind regards,
Simone Frewin
KWHWT Inc.

Life is stressful! I mitanain a home, I’m a full-time manager for a federal agency, and I own an on-line business. Setting priorities will help, and accept the fact that you can’t do everything. This was probably my hardest lesson in life. I redid my priorities. They are now God, family and work. Learn to say no and let go. Managing your level of stress will become easier, guaranteed.