Mace William Lee

For Mace Lee, coming back to Waipori Station isn't just about returning to familiar ground, it's about fulfilling a long-held ambition. Nine years ago, Mace worked at Waipori as a 2IC, and even then, he knew he wanted to come back one day to lead the operation. When the Farm Business Manager position opened up, he didn't hesitate. 

Now settling into the role, Mace is focused on what matters most: building a capable, energetic team and maximising every opportunity to convert grass into meat. His days blend office time with hands-on work alongside his team, getting around the property as often as possible to stay connected with conditions on the ground and helping his stock managers make the best decisions for success. 

What gets Mace out of bed each morning is the opportunity to have a positive impact on those around him — helping people develop the tools to be their best, both for the business and for themselves. He is passionate about high-performance farming, improving the quality of breeding stock, and growing all trade stock to their full potential. 

Three things stand out for Mace in his new role at Waipori: 

• Leading and developing a large team - The opportunity to help people grow and reach their potential
• The Waipori landscape - A genuine appreciation for the country and the property itself
• Continuous improvement - The ongoing challenge of lifting farm performance and reputation 

Of core values of Pāmu, Mace relates most strongly to Shoulder-to-Shoulder. For him, farming is fundamentally a team effort, and success depends on everyone working together with high energy and strong spirits. 

This philosophy shapes how Mace approaches leadership at Waipori. He is committed to building a team where people can depend on each other, where communication flows freely in all directions, and where everyone is invested in the farm's success. 

For Mace, farming excellence is visible when solid, well-thought-out plans are put into practice by a capable and energetic team. It's about genuine buy-in from all staff, with information and ideas flowing freely up and down the chain of command. 

Excellence shows up in happy, healthy animals meeting their performance targets, in a team that's engaged and informed, and in everyone working together toward shared goals. It's the combination of good planning, strong execution, and stock that thrives under careful management. 

Though still early in his tenure at Waipori, Mace already feels proud to be part of an organisation that genuinely invests in both their land and their people. It's this commitment to long-term success for the property and the team that resonates with his own leadership values. 

When Mace thinks about where he will be in five years, he sees himself still at Waipori, continuing the work he is passionate about. 

It's a vision grounded in the fundamentals: stock in prime condition, pastures well-managed, and a team that's achieved measurable success together. For Mace, it's not about chasing the next opportunity, it's about building something lasting at a place that's always held meaning for him. 

From 2IC to Farm Business Manager, Mace William Lee's return to Waipori Station represents the fulfillment of a goal set nearly a decade ago. His journey demonstrates that sometimes the best career moves aren't about going somewhere new, they're about coming back to where you know you can make the greatest impact, armed with experience, vision, and a deep commitment to the people and the land. 

Mace was featured in Otago Daily Times’ Rural Life, reflecting on managing a 12,500-hectare sheep and beef station, the opportunity to lead a large team, and the benefits of working on a Pāmu farm with high-quality equipment, strong health and safety practices, and room for innovation — allowing him to combine his passion for high-performance farming with a lifestyle that supports both family and farm life. 

Photo credit: Shawn McAvinue 
Photo description: Waipori Station farm business manager Mace Lee and Thornicroft Station farm manager Holly Landreth, and his dogs (clockwise from left) Indie, King and Shady on Waipori Station near Lake Mahinerangi.