Tauhara Moana Trust

2012 Dairy Finalists

Tauhara Moana Trust

Tauhara Moana Trust administers an integrated agribusiness totalling 1093 hectares which includes a 590ha dairy farm, forestry plantations and substantial geothermal resources, just north of Taupo.

Tauhara Moana had been leased by the Crafar Group before returning to the full control of the Tauhara Moana Trust in April 2010. The Trust has since invested heavily in the property to improve both infrastructure and productivity and in the last two years has increased its production from 326,000kg to 515,000kg of milk solids. It currently winters 1680 dairy cows and 500 replacement dairy heifers. It is also Dairy NZ's Central North Island Focus Farm.

Tauhara Moana has invested in extensive riparian planting, has completely revamped its effluent systems and is working with the Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Te Arawa River Iwi Trust and Waikato River Authority to demonstrate practical ways of reducing the environmental footprint and impact on Te Awa o Waikato while maintaining productivity. It has also recently negotiated a long-term agreement with Contact Energy to develop the geothermal taonga.

Trustee, Topia Rameka says "Tauhara Moana Trust takes a practical approach to its kaitiakitanga responsibilities whilst being committed to doing the best with the resources and assets they have available to them for the benefit of current and future generations".