Kevin and Julie Taylor's thoroughbred journey began 32 years ago when Kevin worked with Richard Moore at the sales, where he handled mares of the calibre of Solvieg, Soliloquy, and Soltanto. Kevin's natural horsemanship and Julie's growing passion for pedigrees laid the foundation for the way Koru still selects stallions, mares, and pinhooking prospects today.

In 1998, the Taylors purchased Kia Ora Station from Sir Keith Holyoake's family, raised their five children there, and steadily built their broodmare band. Foundation mares including Bali Sugar, Trisha's Belle, and Talista Belle established families they continue to breed from, with early highlights including black type success for Viennetta and Mary Lavelle on the same day.

As the broodmare band grew, so did their focus. In 2016, they sold the farm and relocated to Ohaupo, securing a property with the environment and facilities to keep improving their breeding programme. In 2017, Koru Thoroughbreds was born. The name Koru speaks to new beginnings, growth, and renewal, fitting for a family operation committed to the horse and the industry for the long term.