A lifetime of agricultural innovation and grit

Carolyn Gubb has graciously opened a window into her father’s life, Selwyn Gubb, a respected Massey University alumnus. She has shared a treasured wool clip collection, a piece of history that Selwyn amassed during his academic tenure at Massey when he pursued his Diploma of Agriculture in 1948. This collection not only represents the course work of a diligent student but also embodies the practical skills and theoretical knowledge imparted by the university. Carolyn’s recollections portray Selwyn’s formative years and his journey utilising Massey’s teachings to cultivate a larger-than-life agricultural enterprise.

Selwyn’s story isn’t typical of school, university, and then career. His education in secondary school was cut short at the age of 13 or 14, as he stepped in to assist his father during the tumultuous times of the Second World War. His father had a contract with the US military to provide firewood for the kitchens in their military camps around Warkworth. This experience instilled a robust sense of responsibility and a solid work ethic in Selwyn from a young age.

For quite some time, the notion that Selwyn might benefit from furthering his education didn’t occur to his father. “My grandfather always believed that hands-on experience was more important for a farmer than academic study,” Carolyn remembers. 

A turn towards education

However, a particular event ignited Selwyn’s passion for higher education. Upon seeing a farm worker position advertised in the newspaper, Selwyn and his father decided to seek advice from the manager at Alfred Buckland and Sons. This company was well-known at the time, not only as stock and station agents but also for its expanded operations that included farm sales, general sales, and acting as commission agents. 

With their deep-rooted ties to the farming sector, Selwyn’s father was sure the manager would have valuable information on the advertiser. During this conversation, the manager asked Selwyn if he had considered attending Massey University. The manager spoke highly of the agriculture programmes at Massey, pointing out how the advanced knowledge from such courses could greatly aid in managing a farm. Encouraged by this guidance, Selwyn was drawn to education, eventually enrolling at Massey.

However, it wasn’t smooth sailing. The coursework was challenging, but he wasn’t alone. A bright roommate who became his mentor helped him navigate the complexities of agricultural studies. It was at Massey that Selwyn compiled a wool clip collection, part of his coursework, which he has preserved carefully. This collection is a nod to the practical side of his studies, a hands-on approach to learning that stayed with him for life.

 
 
From classroom to field: bridging theory and practice
 
At Massey, Selwyn received an education in agricultural science. Among the enriching encounters at Massey, Selwyn had the privilege of learning from Professor Geoffrey Peren and Professor Francis William Dry. Their teachings gave him a wealth of insights that proved invaluable.
 
The impact of Massey on Selwyn was profound, influencing every facet of his agricultural pursuits. He took those lessons from the classroom to the fields and beyond. In the 1950s, Selwyn’s father bestowed upon him a farm in Warkworth. However, this few hundred-acre farm was not a viable economic entity. Recognising the need for a more sustainable venture, Selwyn and his wife Heather Gubb, united in their vision, bought Nukutawhiti in 1965. This 5,000-acre hill country property promised a brighter future.

However, the “back” paddock of Nukutawhiti, an expansive 800 acres, presented many challenges. This task of mustering – locating and moving cattle concealed within the thick scrub to another paddock for a headcount or health checks – was no small feat. Selwyn, alongside his experienced shepherd, Te Waru Heke, dedicated a whole week to the task.

Carolyn recalls, “Dad spent five days a week on horseback. He said he couldn’t have done without Te Waru Heke. Those cattle were pretty wild! They wouldn’t have taken kindly to a couple of blokes on horses and their dogs flushing them out of the head-high scrub!”

Their tenacity reshaped the land into a flourishing business, combining scientific agricultural methods with savvy commercial strategies. Selwyn turned a run-down farm into a booming industry – thanks to his Massey smarts. His education and instinct honed his understanding of quality wool and his keen eye for farming.

Years of relentless toil saw the farm eventually sold, moving into the arms of progress and pine trees. Yet, the memories of a magnificent woolshed and horse stables stood as monuments to childhood adventures and a life of exploration.

As Selwyn and Heather settled into a well-deserved retirement, his legacy endures. The wool clips, the memories of his children playing in the stables, and his profound impact on the land all testify to the knowledge and values he gained from Massey. His life and accomplishments inspire current and future Massey alumni, proving that with determination and education, one can cultivate not just the land but a legacy that lasts for generations.