Meet Nikki and Lance Dodd, a couple whose journey to their dream life in New Zealand has been nothing short of extraordinary. Originally from Zimbabwe, they envisioned a future on Lance’s family farm. However, political unrest in the early 2000s tragically cost both their families everything, forcing them to leave their homeland behind.
Their path to finding a safe home was a long one. They first moved to the UK, then to Kenya, where Lance managed a flower farm on a sprawling game reserve. Life there, with their children Hayley and Matthew, was beautiful for a decade until renewed political instability pushed them to seek safety once more. With Nikki’s family already settled in New Zealand, the decision was clear: the Bay of Plenty would be their new beginning in 2012.
Starting from scratch was tough, but the Dodds were determined to put down roots. Lance worked in kiwifruit, but they yearned for a rural life for their kids. That’s when a truffle farm near Te Puke caught Lance’s eye – initially out of reach, but ten months later, it was theirs!
This 8-hectare property, complete with established truffle trees and beautiful native bush, became their sanctuary. It’s been a steep learning curve for them, having never seen a truffle before, but they’re embracing the legacy left by the previous owners. Their six-month-old springer spaniel, Indie, is already proving a natural truffle hunter, and Lance even hopes to train their pet piglet, Piggywig!
Alongside the black Périgord truffles and summer tours, they plan to grow exotic mushrooms to ensure a consistent income. After years of upheaval, the Dodds have finally found peace, family, and a truly unique home in the heart of New Zealand.
