Rangatahi Downs, home to James and Laura Forbes, lays on the flats of Waipara, flanked by vineyards under the shadow of the iconic Three Deans peaks.

Third-generation farmer James Forbes has focused on simplifying the farming business on the 430-hectare property he and Laura purchased around ten years ago that was part of the original family farm.

They set to work putting a quarter of the property into irrigation to combat the typical dry North Canterbury climate.

"We are trying to keep it as simple as we can with the labour we have and the environment we live in."

The farm runs crossbred sheep and dairy support, which Forbes said has given them stability in a volatile market.

"Dairy support has been consistently good for us in the last fifteen years.

"Unlike a commodity, it's been steady, which has been good because we had to invest in the irrigation development."

Laura, who has over twenty years of experience working in the art industry, has made the most of their location in the Waipara Wine Valley, turning her passion for art into a business and generating off-farm income.

As well as working as a philanthropy and development manager for SCAPE public arts, Laura is the driving force and founder of North Canterbury's outdoor art exhibition, 'Sculpture. North Canterbury'.

The annual event is held at Pegasus Bay Winery in rural Waipara, just a short drive from the Forbes’ farm.

The event kicks off with a first access opening party on October 13 before being free to the public for the following two weeks.

Laura began 'Sculpture. North Canterbury" in 2018, and as one of the few outdoor exhibitions in Canterbury, the event has gone from strength to strength and is the highlight of the spring calendar for art lovers and wine buffs alike.

"We start with an opening night, which is limited capacity, and that's been really big for art lovers and people who love Pegasus Bay."

Those who attend the opening night are treated to canapés and Pegasus Bay wine and the chance to meet the artists behind the sculptures.

The gardens at Pegasus Bay Winery are meticulously cared for, with streams, ponds, topiaries, boxed hedging and ornate bridges, making it the perfect backdrop for an outdoor exhibition.

"They have full-time gardeners who absolutely love the space they work in every day.

"I work with them, and they help place the artwork and give me feedback.

"It's an incredible garden."

Sculptors exhibit from all over the country, and Laura handpicks new artists, giving the event a different look and feel each year.

"I'm particularly excited to have Tim Main signed up this year.

"His work is elaborate and detailed; it is just so beautiful."

Laura said she also has a few artists that haven't shown for a while, such as Dunedin's Moira Crossman and favourites, such as Jacqui Gibbs Chamberlain.

The exhibition will display around thirty different pieces in addition to Pegasus Bays' permanent outdoor sculpture collection.

Although Pegasus Bay Winery restaurant is closed, visitors that don't make it to the opening night but wish to view the pieces during the two-week event can enjoy a coffee or treats from the winery delicatessen while they explore the grounds.

"They have amazing coffee and some sweet treats, so you can drop by in the morning and don't have to drink wine," Laura said.

"But if it's a beautiful day, and you suddenly get thirsty, you can have some wine, cheese, and crackers, and it's easy to spend a few hours."

Pegasus Bay, which has picked up its fair share of awards over the years for its wine, is owned by the Donaldson family, who Laura said have an '" amazing energy."

"They are the most incredible people to work with; there's never been a bad moment."

by Claire Inkson