Ahuwhenua Trophy Finalists Announced
17 February 2016
The three finalists for the 2016 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award for Dairy were announced today at a function in parliament by the Minister for Māori Development Hon Te Ururoa Flavell. For the first time in the recent history of the competition two of the farms are in the South Island – the other is in the South Waikato area.
The three finalists are:
Ngāi Tahu Farming Limited whose farms are located near the Canterbury township of Oxford. Their farms Te Ahu Patiki and Maungatere are in the area known as Te Whenua Hou and was originally a New Zealand Forest Service radiata pine plantation commonly known as Eyrewell Forest. Both farms are irrigated by water from the Waimakariri River, and milk a combined total of 2,230 cows.
Tewi Trust is situated near the small South Waikato settlement of Okoroire near Tirau. The area is famous for its hot springs and its beautiful hotel. The farm consists of a 138ha effective milking platform on which is run a 430 cow Friesian herd.
The Proprietors of Rakaia Incorporation’s Tahu a Tao farm has a long and proud history dating back to 1886. The present 216ha property near Ashburton runs around 830 Kiwi cross cows. Its name Tahu a Tao is the Māori name for Kyle, the district where the farm is located.
The Chairman of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management committee, Kingi Smiler says all three farms are worthy finalists who have made a big and brave call to showcase their operations in challenging times and to take the positive approach that Sir Apirana Ngata, who inaugurated the competition would have wished.
He says in difficult times it is important that leaders emerge and show the way for others. Kingi Smiler says there is no denying that the dairy industry is going through some difficult times at present with a combination of international factors well beyond the control of farmers.
“But this is not a time to retreat until the better times return. Such downturns in a cycle provide an opportunity for all farming businesses to take stock of their operations and to honestly analyse what they are doing well and what they could do better. Such work will pay great dividends when times improve. We are intergenerational farmers, with time on our side and a history of managing adversity and coming back stronger and better. Everything we do today must be done to have a positive outcome for future generations ” he says.
Kingi Smiler says overall Māori agribusiness is in very good shape. He says irrespective of the blip in the dairy sector, other elements of the primary sector are doing well – especially kiwifruit.
“I believe that the Ahuwhenua Trophy has been a major factor in lifting the profile and perception of Māori agribusiness and we are seen as significant contributors to the New Zealand economy. We are no longer an adjunct to the economy we are mainstream and we stand tall,” he says.
Field days
Following the announcement of the finalists at parliament, field days will take place at each of the farms. Each field day will commence at 9.30am and finish at 2pm.
Tue 8 March – Ngāi Tahu Farming Limited
Fri 11 March – Tewi Trust
Wed 16 March – The Proprietors of Rakaia Incorporation
The winner of the Award will be announced at a function in Hamilton on Friday 20th May. For further information contact Peter Burke, 021 224 2184.
Our thanks to our valued Ahuwhenua Trophy sponsors: BNZ, DairyNZ, Ministry for Primary Industries, Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Tumu Paeroa, Fonterra, Primary ITO, AgResearch, PGG Wrightson, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, LIC, Federation of Māori Authorities, AFFCO, Allflex, BDO, Polaris, Ecolab, Landcorp, Tohu Wines and WorkSafe.
A big thanks also to sponsors of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award: Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Tumu Paeroa, Primary ITO and Allflex.
PLEASE NOTE:
Media are very welcome to attend the field days and awards dinner. The field days will be held on farm and include presentations of the overall business and in- the-field discussions about current on-farm management of the respective properties followed by lunch.
