Growing up on Middlehurst Station in the Awatere Valley, sisters Lucy and Skye Macdonald developed a deep appreciation for high-country farming from a young age. Now, they’re shaping the future of their family business by balancing tradition with innovation through a thoughtfully curated Farm Store in Kaikōura, their premium online butchery, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. For this week’s Friday Muse, We sat down with the Macdonald sisters to discuss their journey, the evolution of Middlehurst, and what lies ahead.
In conversation with Skye and Lucy Macdonald
Let’s get up to speed. Please tell us a little bit about yourselves and your career to date.
Lucy: Growing up at Middlehurst we always worked or helped out on the farm in school and university holidays. After university I went traveling through Europe for 3 months, which was an amazing experience, but it also made me realise how special home is. Once I returned, we started working on how we could diversify Middlehurst.
Skye: We went to high school at Rangi Ruru [Girls College]. Then I went to Queenstown Resort College to study hospitality and tourism. Once I graduated, I worked in the tourism industry in Australia and in Europe on Yachts. After a couple of years I returned home and began working in the Farm Store and Butchery where I am enjoying the new challenge.
Middlehurst Station has been owned by your family since the late 90’s —what was it like growing up on a high country farm? Have you always known you wanted to work for the family business?
Lucy: I think watching our parents put so much passion and hard work into a business inspires you to want to become a part of what they have created. It’s always been a really special place to us growing up, and now being able to work and become part of the journey has been an amazing opportunity that we are really grateful for.
The Middlehurst Station Farm Store opened in 2023 – could you tell us what inspired you to expand the family business in this way?
Lucy: It seemed like the next step in our journey, as coming out of Covid we noticed a shift in consumer habits – more people wanted human connection. Our retail store was built to create an authentic in-person experience where we could capture the farm’s ethos and energy, and bring it to town.
The Farm Store is beautifully fitted out. Could you tell us a little about what inspired the design? Were there any references you lifted inspiration from?
Lucy: We had a designer help us and the first concept he drew up we all instantly fell in love with. The counter is all stone that we collected from Middlehurst Station. This was a big inspiration for us, as it was important for us to feel connected back to the farm and the land. Another thing we loved was that it didn’t look or feel like a regular butchers shop; it had our family’s twist on it, which is really important to us.
The Farm Store not only sells your homegrown beef, pork and lamb, but also offers a selection of thoughtfully curated pantry staples from other local brands. Could you tell us about the importance of supporting local?
Skye: By working closely together, we not only ensure the continued growth of our partnerships but also contribute to the sustainability and resilience of our local economy. We’re committed to supporting those who share our values and help create a thriving community for all.
How has your family balanced traditional high country farming while ensuring the business is still able to grow and diversify?
Skye: The demanding conditions of the high country have shaped our farming approach, allowing us to preserve and embrace time-honored traditions. These traditions, combined with our commitment to sustainable practices, enable us to adapt and grow the business while maintaining the integrity of the land where our story begins.
Tell us about your premium butchery boxes, we hear that you can order from you and receive the best cuts in the country overnight, is that right?
Lucy: Yes that is right! If you jump onto our website (Middlehurst.co.nz) you will see we have a selection of our Angus Beef & Premium Lamb. It is all traceable back to Middlehurst Station and we want to ensure that Kiwis have access to export Beef & Lamb that is rich in flavour, sustainably produced and a true representation of NZ’s High Country heritage. All orders are boxed up and sent on the overnight courier nationwide.
How do you find work/life balance in your careers? Is there anything you do to de-stress or prioritise your own wellbeing?
Lucy: I think we struggle with balance a little bit, but it’s definitely something we are working on as a family this year! I do always make time first thing in the morning for some exercise. At the moment I love going for a run and reformer pilates. It’s amazing how good it makes you feel and sets you up for the day. We try to make sure that everyone takes a good break throughout the year so we have time to reset and recharge (sometimes easier said than done).
What are your aspirations for the future of Middlehurst Station? Do you have any other developments in mind?
Lucy: 2024 has been a tough year for us, but it has also provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. With our High Country Luxury Lodge on the farm, we are focusing on refining our systems, enhancing efficiency, and nurturing the parts of the business we are most passionate about. This year, our primary goal is to continue growing sustainably while maintaining the balance that makes Middlehurst Station unique. We’re committed to ensuring that everything we do—whether it’s in farming, hospitality, or sustainable practices—aligns with our vision for the future. And along the way, we aim to have fun and enjoy the process.
Quick-fire questions
My favourite memory of Middlehurst Station is… Growing up there in the summer days – living in the swimming pool, having a farm as a playhouse, just being free range kids.
A restaurant or cafe I return to often is… Inati in Christchurch, they are AMAZING!
My next holiday destination… Somewhere warm – NZ Summer has done us a dirty this year!
Best fashion purchase recently… My Karen Walker Summer dress.
My top artist on Spotify Wrapped was… Taylor Swift / Fisher.
Favourite season and why… Spring as our Granny used to have the most amazing daffodils and they always remind us of her presence. I also love the heat, long evenings, BBQs with friends & family, and getting out on the boat.
Three beauty products I can’t live without… The Facialist Glow Oil, Emma Lewisham’s SPF 50 Sunscreen, and the Bonbon Factory Body Butter.
