Hamilton and Gaylene McConachy grow olives in Rangitikei at Rata

Hamilton and Gaylene McConachy among some of their 550 olive trees on their Rangitikei property. PHOTO: DAVID UNWIN/FAIRFAX NZ

It is a surprise to most people that there are 550 olive trees growing well in Rangitikei at Rata, and that the growers win prizes for their olive oil. Hamilton and Gaylene McConachy have about 100 hectares of a fattening sheep and beef farm and have frantoio, leccino and pendolino​  olives that were planted in 2003.