Let us bray: Loved donkeys living their best life

Donkeys have lived alongside humans for thousands of years and are renowned for their stubborn streak and oversized ears. So, it's no wonder a small herd of donkeys just north of Auckland is fiercely guarded and protected.

Teddy, Truffle, Toby, Tara, Tina, Topsy, Turvey, Titan and Tilly inhabit a slice of paradise on the Mahurangi Peninsula between Snells Beach and Algies Bay.

These donkeys at the Highfield Garden Reserve all have names (you may have noticed), starting with the letter "T".

"That’s because my grandfather called himself Ted; his name was Edward — Edward Christian Roberts — but he always called himself Ted. And it was just in honour of him," explained Jenny van der Mespel, the granddaughter of Ted and Alison Roberts.

Her grandparents started with one donkey, which soon became two.

"They kept each other company, and they started having foals. It went from there, and they're still here."

Ted and Alison first employed donkeys to help on their land in the late 1960s. The Roberts grew flowers and planted a small orchard, hoping to supplement their retirement eventually.

"They bought a 10-acre block and planned to settle on it. Eventually, they subdivided, and eight and a half acres were gifted to the people of New Zealand so the council couldn't subdivide and sell it off.

"It needed to stay a green belt, as a home for the donkeys."

So, this land is officially protected as long as these four-legged legacies continue to graze and breed on it.

The Highfield Donkeys Incorporated Society was formed in the community's best interest to look after these cute locals. A group of volunteers cares for the land and its animals.

The Roberts purchased the land in 1966 and gifted a good chunk of it to the people of New Zealand in 1985 — under the agreement that donkeys were still grazing there.

The succession plan is well underway with baby Titan, born in December last year and has yet to grow into his ears.

"We have a little ratbag. He’s a bundle of fur, and we’re gradually teaching him some manners," said Ox Wightman, a volunteer who cares for the animals.

Keeping the land and donkeys free for the public was exactly what Roberts had hoped for.

Ted died in 1983, and Alison died in 2009 at the age of 96.

Mespel remembers her grandmother enjoying the donkeys.

"She was still coming down and seeing them, and that was what kept her going. For a long time, she’d walk down to see the donkeys.

"They all knew who she was and remembered her well. It just kept her active, and if she hadn’t been active, she wouldn't have lasted as long as she did."

Alison's intention to keep the land and donkeys for the community to enjoy is being adhered to by all those involved, including volunteer Jane Kelsey.

"I think she [Alison] would believe that her whole vision for Highfield Garden Reserve has been fulfilled, and the next generations need to ensure that it continues."