Clevedon Celebrates
Anna McCallum and Dan Cieslik
Left to Right: Jed the dog, Callum, Anna, Nelson, Fraser and Jan in front of the McCallum Residence
Previous McCallum family wedding - Fraser and Alex
The McCallum family’s connection to oysters is primed to flourish in the coming decade, fueled by the announcement of Anna, the youngest daughter’s engagement and upcoming wedding to Clevedon Estate General Manager Dan Cieslik, heralding four generations of family dedication to the business.
If not for the pandemic, it's anyone's guess whether love would have sparked between Anna and Dan as they found themselves confined to the same bubble on the Clevedon Estate during lockdown.
Anna fondly remembers their inaugural date, a leisurely stroll overlooking the oyster farm.
“It’s been over two years since we found ourselves in the same lockdown bubble on the property,” Anna reminisces, “that’s kind of how it all began.”
Fast forward two years, and Dan extended an invitation to Anna for another walk. However, she was a bit hesitant this time, considering the rainy weather.
“We headed up to Duder Regional Park, and as we were halfway back, perched on a hill overlooking everything, Dan began discussing our future.”
“Then, suddenly, he dropped to one knee, revealing a ring he had hidden, with some champagne nearby,” says Anna, “I was completely taken by surprise—I had no inkling whatsoever. Still, I said yes almost immediately.”
Afterward, I discovered that Dan had pre-emptively pencilled our wedding onto the estate’s schedule. Clevedon Estate had been bustling with wedding preparations, prompting Dan to secure a date even before formally seeking Anna’s hand.
“Yes,” Anna chuckles, “and he even had a couple of friends waiting down at the local pub, just in case things didn't go as planned.”
As soon as the good news came through, family and friends gathered to celebrate the news. Because of their work obligations, the couple has set their wedding date for April 2025. Anna has already selected her dress from a local bridal boutique, and in the meantime, they have chosen a scenic spot near the beach for their vows.
Anna is taking on a larger role full-time at the Clevedon Coast Oysters factory, while Clevedon Estate is experiencing its busiest wedding season yet, necessitating the hiring of additional staff to help Dan manage the demand.
“Dan and I haven’t had much time off over the summer because we’ve both been swamped with work at Clevedon,” Anna explains.
The McCallum family, descendants of John McCallum who immigrated from Scotland in the 1860s, has a rich history in New Zealand.
Their connection with oysters dates back to 1892 when they settled on Pakihi Island, south of Waiheke, sustaining themselves with oysters, mussels, and snapper. They thrived on harvesting high-quality oysters, which supported them through the Great Depression.
In the early 1900s, William Fraser, one of John’s sons, along with his wife Gwendoline, constructed the Homestead, now known as the McCallum Residence. Over time, the next generation assumed control of the Residence. In 2015, John McCallum’s son Callum and his wife Jan took over ownership and management of the Residence.
Recognising an opportunity, Jan and Callum transformed the Residence into a premium accommodation facility. After more than two years of dedicated work, the Residence opened its doors, quickly becoming a sought-after wedding venue and lodging destination.
Now, Anna and Dan, as the next generation, have taken on the responsibility, dedicating themselves to the family business and carrying forward its legacy.
Clevedon Coast Oysters® has grown to become the fourth-largest oyster farming operation in New Zealand. About 20 percent of its oyster harvest is distributed through its lively retail outlet situated at the Clevedon farm. The business is affiliated with the expansive McCallum Group of Companies, which encompasses The McCallum Residence and McCallum Bros Limited.