Grant Calder has always been a farmer at the top of his game at the top of the high country. A champion dog trainer and breeder, his merino sheep produce some of the best wool in the world.
He is a tough man who is happiest working on the land with his dogs by his side. But four years ago, Grant Calder had an accident which broke his neck and left him a tetraplegic.
"At the scene of the accident up there when I was lying in the snow, not knowing whether I was going to live, I was chucking the bat down and giving in," Mr Calder says. "Robert got my huntaway dog and pushed his nose into me into the snow and said 'if you don't want to live for me and mum and the kids - live for your damn dogs!' When I broke my neck it was like being on the other side of a huge swollen river that had rocks and mud and water running down it. I had to sit it out until the river cleared, or my mind cleared."
And he sat it out for months, thinking about the life he used to have. But in the end, he rused to give up on the family's farming tradition.
Recovery was incredibly tough, but with the support of his wife Robyn, he hoped he could return to farming.
However, the accident left Mr Calder with no feeling below the top of his chest, and he was left with limited use of one hand.
But one year ago something happened which gave Mr Calder his independence - the arrival of his Argo.
Mr Calder the Argo, an all terrain vehicle, could be modified for a tetraplegic. It had never been done before, but a hobbyist engineer said he would take a look.
Rick Beattie cut up the Argo. moved the fuel tank, added some safety features along with a ramp and it was good to go.
"The Argo's actually changed my life completely," Mr Calder says. "It's given me a brand new life, something to wake up for every day, exercise my dogs get them fit for dog trials. It gives me independence. Robyn knows I'm warm, safe and dry. Rick has just made a dream come true."
Grant's son, Robert, has taken over as farm manager, but Grant works alongside him.
And in spite of the family's setback, the station still produces award-winning merino wool.
Grant says breaking his neck has just been a new kind of journey and he is counting his blessings, every dusty metre of the way.
If you are interested in Grant Calder's modified Argo you can contact him at
rgcalder@xtra.co.nz