WOW – what a find two exceptional Water Buffalo mounts!

Darcy Craze, a Rununga resident, holds a unique place in New Zealand’s agricultural history. He was the first to introduce water buffalo to the country back in the 1980s, a feat that earned him a spot as a centrefold in the renowned book “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NZ” in the year 2000.

The journey of Darcy introducing the water buffalo to New Zealand is a captivating tale. These majestic creatures were flown in from Melbourne in crates and then trucked down to Barrytown on the West Coast. Darcy was the only water buffalo farmer in the South Island until 2010 and he even had the privilege of featuring alongside the legendary Barry Crump.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet Darcy, an understated man with a wealth of stories to share. I could have listened to his tales all day. His contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural landscape is undeniable.

I am pleased that he was willing to part with two of the three remaining buffalo mounts he had left, allowing me to preserve a piece of this remarkable history.  These mounts are a reflection of his passions, his travels, and his personal journey.

Always expect the unexpected in a day in the life of New Zealand Pickers.