The Story of Charlie Durham

Charlie was born and raised in Mamaku, a bush settlement on a high plateau not too far from Rotorua. Putting rough beginnings behind him, he leaves school at fourteen and sets out on a career on the land, guided by mentors who seem to have his best interests at heart.

When Charlie meets Belle, his prospects look even brighter. Many years later, a crisis leads Charlie to tell his life story to neighbour Tony Price, revealing that we cannot always predict how good men will react in difficult times.

Between them, Richard and former Taumarunui councillor Rachel have three children. With their dad, sons Richie and Dan farm a total of 2500 hectares of sheep and cattle country in the upper Whanganui River area, while daughter Anna is a rural accountant. The family land is home to Blue Duck Lodge, a celebrated venue for adventure tourism and conservation, which featured in an episode of Hyundai Country Calendar, titled “Dan’s Backyard”