The Proprietors of Tawapata South, Onenui Station

2025 Sheep and Beef Finalists

The Proprietors of Tawapata South, Onenui Station

Field day: Thursday 10 April 2025

L-R: Logan McClelland, Farm Manager; Natalie Paewai, Committee Member; Lester White, Chair; and Corban Paewai, Committee Member.

Tawapata South was discovered in the 10th century by our tīpuna, Tamatea-Ariki-Nui, Ruawharo, and Tūpai – Pacific navigators whose journey from Hawaiki established the whakapapa of our people in this land. Ruawharo founded the first house of learning, Ngāheru-mai-tawhiti, on Waikawa (Portland Island), which became a spiritual centre for the entire East Coast.

Today, The Proprietors of Tawapata South, trading as Onenui Station, is a Māori incorporation located at the tip of the Māhia Peninsula, Hawke’s Bay. Spanning 3,476 hectares, the whenua includes 1,700 hectares of effective farmland and 836 hectares under a Ngā Whenua Rāhui Kawenata.

Governance and Strategic Direction
Tawapata South was incorporated under the Māori Affairs Act 1953 on 21 July 1967. It is governed by the Committee of Management: Lester White (Chair), Philip Te Hau (Vice Chair), Murray MacGregor, Natalie Paewai, and Corban Paewai. The committee provides strategic oversight, balancing sustainable farming while upholding tikanga, kawa, and mātauranga. Our aspirations are guided by the four POU: Tangata, Tikanga, Taiao, and Tahua, shaping our planning and decision-making.

Our mission is grounded in whakapapa, which connects us to our taonga and carries kaitiaki obligations. We manage our relationships to ensure the well-being of our lands, waters, and people. Our strategy is structured over three phases within a five-year plan, allowing us to set, implement, and report key milestones to shareholders and whānau.

Farming Operation
Onenui Station is a sheep and beef farming unit wintering 15,000 stock units, including 6,000 breeding ewes, 600 breeding cows, replacements, and trade cattle. The farm finishes 75% of its sheep and 36% of its cattle, with the remainder sold store. The station comprises 350 hectares of productive flats, with the balance classified as North Island steep hard hill country.

A major development project, initiated in 2016, is reclaiming 1,046 hectares of scrubland for productive use, aligning with the 2006 environmental plan. Erosion-prone areas are managed through fencing, native planting, and long-term sustainability initiatives.

Onenui Station has a total of four employees comprised of a farm manager a shepherd and two fencer generals. The incorporation prioritises employment, upskilling, and community engagement.

Innovation
Since 2016, Tawapata South has been home to Rocket Lab, the world’s first private orbital launch range. This relationship aligns with our strategy to diversify income opportunities while maintaining the integrity of our whenua. Rocket Lab’s presence has brought investment into the region, creating local employment opportunities and fostering innovation. Our ability to integrate traditional land use with cutting-edge technology demonstrates our commitment to long-term sustainability.

Community Relationships
Tawapata South is committed to fostering strong relationships within the community. We provide scholarships to support the education and development of our people. Additionally, we have established a lasting partnership with Kahungunu Marae, where we host our AGM, reinforcing our connection to our whānau and cultural heritage.

Commitment to Sustainability
With 20 kilometres of rugged coastline and diverse landscapes, Onenui Station is committed to sustainable land management. A comprehensive environmental plan protects waterways, coastal dunes, and erosion-prone gullies. Native planting initiatives and fencing projects reinforce long-term environmental resilience. We are deeply grounded in the values that define us – whakapapa, tika pono, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga. Tawapata South Māori Incorporation, Onenui Station remains dedicated to preserving its whenua while ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its people.

Media contact: Lester White, 022 052 3823, lesterwhite55@gmail.com