Robyn did not fit the profile. And Nicholas could sympathise - he had failed a few of these tests in his time too - what was it that these tests were testing for, they wondered?Resourcefulness appeared not to be an important requirement - but it was something they both had plenty of, and in hindsight, only one functioning accounting mind was needed after all, for the adventure ahead.They began by visiting the property at weekends, and planting, planting, planting was the never-ending story. Planting shelterbelts, planting trees, planting vines. Most died, or were eaten by the neighbours' cattle, which would periodically escape from their confinements feast, on all the hard work until they were caught, usually the following weekend. One of the first skills Robyn and Nicholas developed was how to recognise both a satisfied and guilty look crossing a cows face. Anger management also proved useful later on. Robyn's mother Ann already lived on Waiheke, and helped to contribute to the number of eccentrics the Island was renowned for. She used to arrive on the property in her huge old Mercedes Benz, spread out the picnic blanket and open her boot - laden with pies, cakes and tarts she had been baking all week, she was a fantastic cook. Robyn used to eat most of the booty and chat to her mother while watching Nicholas toil over planting, planting, planting. Unfortunately, Ann suffered a fatal stroke while planting, planting, planting - digging a particularly difficult piece of clay, during the week, when Robyn and Nicholas were at work.Some time later, a Barn/House/Winery (Kiwis seem to thrive on the notion that if you can use one building three ways, all the better) was completed, built out of Mud Bricks. Robyn loved the look and feel and Nicholas (remembering that he was the only functioning Accountant) agreed only on the principle, that mud brick buildings do not vary their internal temperature by more than one degree in any 24-hour period - perfect conditions for aging and storing wine. Robyn sighed with relief - she just liked the look and feel. The first vintage was expected
