A life well lived in Halcombe for couple
Bill and Marion Abbiss’ farming skills, methods and practices are considered legendary in New Zealand.
The Manawatu¯ couple have earned themselves Manawatu¯ District Council community honours awards after spending their lives on the family farm, Silverton, in Halcombe, where Bill became the innovator of rotational grazing.
Massey University took interest and joined them on several research projects. This involved farming and international groups visiting over the years to learn about the farming methods being trialled.
As well as raising two children, Marion was involved with the farm operations.
Councillor Shane Casey said the duo were heavily involved in their church. Marion became a Sunday school teacher and key member of the women’s fellowship group and Bill, a youth group leader and longtime church committee member.
Another of her passions was gardening and she was a very active member of the Floral Art Group.
Stalwarts of the National Party, the couple have held just about every position in their local electorate. Marion helped to fundraise for the party and has
‘‘We do what needs done, I guess. ’’ Bill Abbiss
been a key organiser of many dinners over the years where politicians have been guest speakers.
‘‘Even recently she was involved in arranging a dinner for 200 locals with Prime Minister Bill English,’’ Casey said.
Bill was a councillor on the O¯ roua County Council, and was the chairman for two terms. He oversaw the Stanway Water Scheme that covers a large area and supplies hundreds of farms.
Installed in the 1980s, it was Bill’s perseverance as chairman that saw it through.
‘‘Bill’s vision for this project and his belief in its potential to increase the economic development of the primary production in the Halcombe area speaks for itself.’’
Some years ago he expressed an interest in walking to Feilding from his farm on Tokorangi Rd in Halcombe to raise money for Feilding St John. Others soon joined him and the annual event became known as ‘‘Bill’s Walk’’.
He has raised nearly $37,000 for St John.
Marion said everyone should aspire to be unsung heroes.
‘‘We’re just ordinary people getting on with life. You can’t put a price on the work volunteers do.’’ Bill said it’s been a good ride. ‘‘We do what needs done, I guess, and that’s the way we’ve approached things.
‘‘It’s been a good ride.’’