George Edwin Alderton Settlement Plan

edmondsallan -hello - Having aquired the property , that was facing north , and very good temperature all year round , " Alderton " drew up a plan to settle people on the now divided land . At first he planted shelter belts through out the whole area . Quick growing Eucalpt , wattle, redwood , and Hakea were planted . they grew rapidly and created a Micro - climate which Kerikeri still enjoys to this day .
The scheme was widely advertised around NZ & the world . For the women arriving from other countries , many types of work became available . As the scheme developed and more settlers took up their orchards and developed them further . To assist the living conditions of these families " The Company " provided a scheme to provide , cooking , lighting ,and heating facilities - The first north of Whangarei.
The original settlers formed A "Settler's Association " and as more people came to Kerikeri to develope the orchards they also joined the association . From this they developed much of their town in its early years .
Many People will say " George Edwin Alderton " developed the land , sub-divided it , Planted the Orchards - so he could sell all of the 6,828 acres he and his company had bought and make a very good profit . I have no doubt that was one of his main interests to achieve . However in doing so, he created a Northland Paradise for all to enjoy .the fruit and the beauty . He has my respect . till we meet again - Regards - edmondsallan