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Kā Kōrero o Waikirikiri Selwyn Stories

The Rennie family from Rotopapa

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TitleThe Rennie family from RotopapaDescriptionThe Rennie family have been connected to Rotopapa since 1895, after James Rennie drew the land in a ballot. Like many pioneers he ran sheep on this large block of land in Irwell, near the mouth of the Selwyn River. It would become home and source of income for generations of the Rennie family.

The photos of the Rennie family in our collection span the decades and depict a family deeply engaged with the community and farming life. After James Rennie, the farm was passed down to his brother William Osborne and then his son George.

There are photos of marriages, school life, homes and sports teams. In 1909, the farm hosted a demonstration of the capabilities of the International Motor Tractor. Always a strong performer at A & P shows, William Osborne bred champion Ryeland Rams. There are charming photos of seven-year-old George Rennie and his brother on his way to school and playing in the sandpit with friends.

George Rennie was only 15 years old when he began started farming at Rotopapa. He bought the dairy farm in 1946, converting it to sheep, beef and crops, and would farm there for the next 54 years. He was stalwart of the farming community and his dedication to a number of farming organisations saw him awarded with an MBE in 1995. George Rennie died 24 October 2010, aged 93 years and his obituary in The Press detailed the life of a man who loved farming, football and family.

A committed man who fitted a lot into a long life – The Press, 8 January 2011.

Rennie was born in Sumner on September 20, 1917 to farmer William Osborne Rennie and Leonie Rennie. He was the second of three sons. He grew up on the family farm Rushbrook at Doyleston, where he attended the local primary school before he went to St Andrew’s College and later Lincoln College, now Lincoln University.

When he was just 15 years old he began farming Rotopapa. The property had been farmed by his uncle James Rennie, who drew it in a ballot in 1895, but died suddenly in a horse accident. Rennie bought Rotopapa from his father in 1946 and he lived there with his wife Elaine (nee Coe) until 2000, when they moved into Christchurch.

The couple married in 1940. They had known each other since they were children. They had been married for 68 years when Elaine died in 2008. In addition to running Rotopapa, Rennie farmed Rushbrook on behalf of the Rushbrook Trust after his father died and before his son Graeme took it over.

Rotopapa was originally a dairy farm and with 80 cows it was the biggest supplier to the local dairy factory. However, soon after taking over the farm, Rennie converted it to sheep, beef and crops. He grew a mixture of crops including wheat, barley, oats and peas. At its peak, Rotopapa stretched for about 240 hectares. It has been downsized over the years, but the remaining 28 hectares is still in family hands.

Along with farming the land, Rennie also spent a lot of time discussing farming issues in the boardroom. He was president of Ellesmere Federated Farmers and chairman of the group’s agricultural section. He was also president of the organisation’s North Canterbury branch from 1978 to 1980 and was a member of the Federated Farmers National Council. During this time, he had to deal with the takeover and formation of Ravensdown and the takeover of Kaiapoi freezing works.

Rennie’s contribution to Federated Farmers saw him become a life member in 1993. He was a foundation member and first secretary of the Ellesmere Young Farmers Club, and maintained an interest in training young farmers, even in his retirement. He also served on the Canterbury Marginal Lands Board. Rennie was also committed to the New Zealand Wheat Board, which he was appointed to by the Governor General in 1975. He held the position until 1987.

While on the wheat board, Rennie visited Australia to assess the country’s trade. He also investigated where silos should be situated for grain storage back in New Zealand. Rennie’s dedication to these farm industry groups saw him awarded with an MBE in 1995 for services to agriculture.

Sport also played a big part in Rennie’s life. His lifelong passion for rugby was largely developed thanks to 1924 All Black Bill Dalley, who worked for his father. Rennie started playing rugby in 1928, when he was 10, and continued to play until 1947, when he was 30. During that time he played for St Andrew’s College, the Lincoln College First XV and the Ellesmere Rugby Sub-union rep team.

Once he stopped playing, he became a selector for Ellesmere and Canterbury Country. He also took up several administrative roles, including president of the Irwell Rugby Club and Ellesmere Rugby Sub-union. He also held top positions with the Canterbury Rugby Sub-unions Association.

The Irwell Rugby Club later acknowledged Rennie’s support of the club by making him its first life member. He was a great supporter of Lincoln University rugby, watching the team play as recently as last year. Rennie also enjoyed cricket. He was in the Canterbury under-16 team in 1932 and played for the Irwell Cricket Club until he was 50.

‘‘I played up to about 50 years old when they called me granddad,’’ Rennie often said.

Rennie also found time to be chairman of the Leeston School committee and he was a member of the Canterbury Education Board from 1960 to 1963.

He was also a trustee for the Gammack Estate, which supports Christchurch Children’s Library.

Rennie was a practical problem solver, and when his car, a Hupmobile, broke down, he hooked up a horse in front of the car, passing the reins through the window so he could sit in the driver’s seat and guide the horse as if he was in a buggy.

He believed it was no use criticising something unless you were prepared to help resolve it.

Image

Rennie family wedding

Coe and Rennie children in sandpit

Alan and George Rennie on their way to school

Stuart, George and Alan Rennie

Rennie's Ryeland rams

Selwyn Huts from across Waikirikiri Selwyn River

Mr. George Rennie

John Rennie of Doyleston

Shooting match, the civilian team

The fourth Annual Lincoln ploughing match at Springston

Canterbury Agricultural College, old students and lecturers at prizegiving

Wedding of Dr George Gosset and Mary Lochead Rennie, 1902

Old sod whare at Doyleston

Pyne Gold Medal shooting competition, Hon. Secretary and competitors

International Motor Tractor demonstration

Waihora Ladies Hockey Team

Officials and judges at the Ellesmere Show

Lincoln and Districts Historical Society, George Rennie.

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The Rennie family from Rotopapa