Our Growers
Meet the Paulin Family
Our History
1921
Paulin’s settle in Clyde Valley
After recovering from injuries sustained at Galipoli, and with a loan from his Uncle, Sir William Paulin, Robert Noel Paulin bought his first Clyde Valley orchard in 1921.
This stayed with the family until 2020, when it was sold as a part of a commitment not to over farm the land.
1925
The Second Generation is Born
Desmond Millan Paulin was born in 1925, the first son of Robert. At this stage the farm was mostly focused on Cherries, Peaches, Apricots and Apples.
Desmond was one of five siblings, all involved in the orchard.
1930
Innovation Begins on Farm
Robert Paulin brought the first ever rubber tyred tractor in the region. This drastically improved processes for harvesting and farm care.
It also made for a far more convenient and comfortable ride than horseback.
1948
A Second Clyde Valley Orchard is Bought
Desmond, his father and his Uncle clubbed together and purchased a second orchard.
This orchard is still owned and operated by the Paulin family, growing cherries, apricots and Nectarines.
1964
Desmond Succeeds Robert
With an eye on quality, Desmond continued his father’s work in producing quality fruit for domestic and export sales. Over time he reduced the farm back to a predominantly summerfruit operation.
1973
The Third Generation is Born
Tim Desmond Paulin was born in 1973, the youngest of 5 siblings.
1995
The 3 Kings Legend Emerges
As the Paulin Family grew, so too did their family events. With large, boistrous gatherings to celebrate all manner of occasion. A tradition emerged to walk to the “3 kings” a rock outcrop that overlooked all of their orchard properties above the Cromwell Gorge.
2013
Tim Takes the Lead in Orchard Operations
By this stage the Paulin family is running three seperate orchard properties and is fast becoming recognised as a pivotal grower in Central Otago cherries, some of the best in the world.
2016
Investing in Cherry IP Begins
The Paulin family’s commitment to fruit quality has always been a top priority. But in 2017, through partnerships with leading IP (Intellectual Property) partners, they planted Lani Cherry, a rich dark red cherry that has excellent flavour and colour.
This spurred a commitment to even greater fruit quality, leading to plans for something bigger.
2017
New Land for New Ideas
With an eye for dedicated premium cherrys, Tim Paulin was backed by a group of investors to secure land right alongside the Clyde Gorge.
With a history of Merino Wool and Thyme farming, the land was rich and ready.
2020
A New Packing Facilitiy is Built
As part of the land investment, a new packing facility was built with state of the art technology and processes.
2021
100 Years in the Making
After 100 years of growing premium cherries in Clyde Valley, Central Otago, the Paulin Family and their partnership was officially launched to market under the brand 3 kings cherries.