Generations of Growth
The Gammans Story
The Early Days: Sawmilling on Station Road
The roots of Gammans stretch back to a time when the family’s livelihood was centred around sawmilling. On what was once Station Road (now Plummers Point Road), the Gammans Sawmill buzzed with activity.
Logs from the Thompson’s Track area were brought in and expertly milled, then the timber was shipped off on scows from the wharf at the end of Plummers Point Road.
The sawmill was a cornerstone of the family’s operations, established by Arthur Fredrick Gamman & Sons, and a testament to the hard working Gammans’ family spirit.
The Birth of Gammans Landscape Supplies
During these years, the Gammans moved onto what would become the heart of their future business—potting mix manufacturing.
Russell and Jackie started growing large quantities of commercial citrus trees back in the 1970’s.
Jackie, in her trusty old Valiant, would make regular trips back and forth to Auckland, only being able to haul a two-metre trailer load of potting mix at a time. But when their supplier announced he was retiring, the Gammans purchased the plant machinery and reinstated it at Omokoroa.
What began as a solution born out of necessity quickly turned into a new business venture. When other growers got wind that there were locals manufacturing potting mix, they began asking to buy from them, and just like that, Gammans horticultural media and landscape supplies was born.
Expanding Horizons: From Bark to Mulch
As demand grew, so did their operations. By the early 1980s, alongside their two sons, Russell and Jackie began processing Pinus Radiata bark, creating the high-quality barks, bark fines and garden mulches that gardeners and landscapers across the Bay of Plenty region rely on today.
What started as a small family endeavour soon blossomed into a thriving business.
Sustainability and Innovation: The Hauraki Peat Farm
Furthering their operations, today, the Hauraki Peat farm is another Gamman family venture that stands as a testament to their commitment to sustainability.
Established by Russell and Jackie Gamman, this family-owned and operated peat farm is one of only two peat farms in the country. It plays a crucial role in supplying the unique peat used in Gammans’ custom blend potting mixes.
The Gammans are deeply dedicated to eco-friendly practices. Their approach includes carefully planned techniques that minimise environmental impact.
In addition, they actively work to restore the land by planting wetlands, creating a balance between resource use and ecological preservation. Their commitment ensures that their operations not only provide quality products but also contribute to the long-term health of the environment.
A Trusted Name: Serving Nurseries and Growers for Decades
As well as supplying landscape supplies to the public, for decades, Gammans has been a trusted name among nurseries and commercial growers, both locally and beyond.
The family’s dedication to quality, community, and sustainability has kept the business growing strong.
A Family Legacy: The Next Generation
Today, Gammans is proudly led by Kerry Gamman, the eldest son, who continues to uphold the same dedication and hands-on approach passed down from his parents. Alongside his wife Naomi and their children Jordan and Savannah, the Gammans family remains actively involved in every part of the business, from running machinery to managing the yard.
When you visit, you’re sure to encounter a member of the Gammans family, who proudly bring a personal touch to every aspect of their business.
A Heritage of Hard Work and Seized Opportunities
The story of Gammans is one of heritage, hard work, and seized opportunities that led to something great!
From sawmilling to potting mixes, the Gamman family has embraced every twist and turn along the way, ensuring that they continue to provide the very best for their customers and the Tauranga community they have proudly called home for many generations and generations to come.
