MIL – Whiritoa Orchards

2023 Horticulture Finalists

MIL – Whiritoa Orchards

L-R: Rex Anderson (Property Manager), Helen Scott (Orchard Manager) & Ray Hiki (Orchard Supervisor).

Maori Investments Ltd (MIL) is based in Kawerau and its orchards (Whiritoa) are located in Te Teko. Whiritoa Orchards were purchased in 2016 and 2017. The first orchard to be purchased was Whiritoa Organic (215B Galatea Road) and is approximately 5.37 hectares in size growing organic gold kiwifruit. The second orchard is Whiritoa Gold (207 Galatea Road) approximately 6.84 canopy hectares, located beside Whiritoa Organic. MIL undertook significant work to remove some structures over the canopy, and both orchards are managed in accordance with tikanga Maori. Managed by Orchard Manager, Helen Scott, MIL currently employs seven permanent staff on orchard. All seasonal workers are local and contractors only come in during the harvest season. The orchards can employ up to 20 fixed term employees during the peak seasons.