Luke Copeland

Farm Manager (Te Akau Stud)

Luke Copeland is Farm Manager at Te Akau Stud and has worked with Te Akau for more than 25 years. He moved to the Te Akau district at the age of five and joined the Stud after leaving school, building a detailed understanding of the property as both the farm and the wider racing operation developed.

Luke’s early work combined care of the horses with the farm’s livestock. He was involved with important Te Akau horses including King’s Chapel and Darci Brahma, and remembers leading Darci Brahma off the truck after Sir David Ellis purchased him as Te Akau’s first million-dollar yearling. As the property and livestock numbers grew, Luke moved into full-time stock work and developed the practical systems required to support a large, integrated farming operation.

Today, Luke oversees the day-to-day management of Te Akau Stud’s sheep and cattle programme, pasture use and the many operational tasks that keep the property running. The livestock operation complements the thoroughbred business by supporting pasture management across the farm, while Luke remains available to assist with horses whenever required, including loading, unloading and moving horses safely around the property.

Known for his reliability and can-do approach, Luke is the person the team can call when a job needs to be completed, whatever the time or conditions. His long service means he understands the land, livestock, seasons and changing needs of Te Akau Stud at a level built over decades.

Luke is also a longstanding member of the local community. His contribution to Te Akau rugby was recognised when he received the district’s Te Akau Personality of the Year award in 2016.