‘An Alexandra boy allowed to cross the Cromwell Bridge’: Kevin Jackson talks to Michael Rooney about his family’s arrival in Central Otago, their first forays into gold prospecting, and an involvement in orcharding which spans generations. The first orchard was established near the Shaky Bridge, and Kevin recounts the devastating effects of frost before frost protection methods were developed. This led to the family turning to rabbiting in Tarras before planting an orchard in what is now Bringans Street in Alexandra. Kevin tells of times when cultivating was done with horses and what he got up to with his mates as a young lad. Kevin goes on to recount stories of developing his own orchard in Cromwell Gorge and the challenges he faced, including the lead-up to the construction of the Clyde Dam. Later, thanks to his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, Kevin diversified into a wide range of other business ventures.
Interviewer: Michael Rooney
Interview Date:
September 2022
Developing the orchard
Kevin Jackson in car rally
Cromwell Gorge 1974
Kevin Jackson on a tractor at blossom festival
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