Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective Orchards LP
2026 Horticulture Finalists
Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective Orchards Limited Partnership
Thursday 26 March – Te Puke
Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective (Iwi Collective Orchards Limited Partnership) was established in 2018 through a strategic collaboration between Te Arawa Group Holdings Limited, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited, and Rotomā No.1 Incorporation. The partnership was formed following the successful acquisition of a significant kiwifruit orchard portfolio in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, bringing approximately 100 productive canopy hectares of established orchards – Pacific Gold, Coachman, and the Te Mātai orchards – into collective Māori ownership. More than investment, the formation of Mātai Pacific reflected a shared commitment by the partner entities to combine capital, capability, and governance experience to secure a large-scale horticultural asset capable of delivering enduring economic, social and cultural outcomes for their iwi.
From the outset, the intent was to create a values-led commercial enterprise that balanced strong financial performance with kaitiakitanga, intergenerational stewardship, and the development of Māori capability within the horticulture sector. The investment aligned with each partner’s broader strategy to diversify asset portfolios into high-performing primary industries while maintaining a strong connection between whenua, people, and prosperity. Mātai Pacific was therefore established not simply to grow fruit, but to create opportunity — a platform through which future generations could participate in, and lead within, the horticultural industry.
Mātai Pacific operates under a Limited Partnership structure, with the three iwi entities as Limited Partners and Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective Limited acting as General Partner responsible for governance oversight. This structure enables collective ownership while ensuring clear accountability, professional governance, and disciplined investment decision-making aligned to long-term objectives. The partnership’s primary asset remains its kiwifruit orchard portfolio in Te Puke, comprising both SunGold and Green cultivars supplying export markets through Zespri.
The orchards reflect a diverse land base and operating environment. Te Mātai Orchards span a 158 hectare area with approximately 60 hectares planted in Hayward and SunGold kiwifruit, with remaining land increasingly used for restoration and stewardship initiatives. A significant hail event in 2022 accelerated the importance to innovate in areas like productivity, soil health, reducing chemical inputs, and developing biodiversity initiatives in partnership with Plant & Food Research. The 28 hectare Pacific Gold orchard is a consistent top-quartile performer and supports Mātai Pacific’s long-term water resilience strategy, while the 38 hectare Coachman property beyond the 13 hectares of kiwifruit incorporates wetlands and native restoration areas developed in partnership with Bay of Plenty Regional Council and research partners, now serving as a benchmark for integrated biodiversity within commercial horticulture.
Governance is provided by a Board comprising shareholder-appointed and independent directors with experience across horticulture, finance, governance, and Māori economic development. The Board is chaired by Tiaki Hunia (Ngāti Awa), with Nelson Meha (Rotomā No.1) and Fred Cookson (Te Arawa) representing shareholder partners. Independent directors Tony De Farias and Sally Gardiner provide extensive industry and commercial expertise. Operational leadership is provided by Chief Executive Charles Russell (Te Manahautū), supported by specialist orchard management and post-harvest partners. The partnership employs a lean permanent team supported by orchard management professionals and seasonal labour during peak harvest periods. A strong focus is placed on people development and succession, including Māori cadet and trainee orchard manager pathways that prioritise uri from shareholder iwi and support long-term capability within the horticulture sector.
Kaitiakitanga underpins all aspects of the operation. Mātai Pacific has invested significantly in freshwater management, biodiversity restoration, soil health, and climate resilience, including native planting, erosion control, and farm environment and freshwater planning across all orchards. Sustainability reporting is embedded within governance oversight, reflecting a commitment to balancing commercial performance with environmental responsibility and cultural values.
Beyond the orchard gate, Mātai Pacific plays a leadership role within the wider kiwifruit sector. As the largest Māori shareholder in Zespri, the partnership contributes to strengthening Māori participation and voice within a globally recognised export industry. Since acquisition in 2018, the orchard portfolio and associated Zespri shareholding have grown to represent a combined asset value exceeding $130 million, reflecting both sector growth and long-term stewardship.
Mātai Pacific stands as an example of kotahitanga and what is possible when iwi collaborate at scale — combining commercial excellence with cultural integrity to grow not only fruit, but opportunity, capability, and legacy for generations to come, grounded in the understanding that he kai kei aku ringa.
Key Contact: Charles Russell, CEO: charles@mpic.co.nz / 021 624 860
