The 2022 Ahuwhenua Trophy competition to select the top Māori sheep and beef farm is back on track after having been postponed earlier in the year due to Covid-19 risk. Judging of the entrants in this competition resumes in May, as well as the judging for the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award which is run in conjunction with the senior Ahuwhenua Trophy event.
Ahuwhenua Trophy Chair, Nukuhia Hadfield says with Covid restrictions now being progressively lifted, it was decided that it is safe to resume the judging process. She says entrants and sponsors have all been consulted and they are happy with this decision. She says the only change to the programme now is the cancellation of the announcement of finalists at a function at Parliament. “We will be announcing the finalists once the first-round judging process is complete. People will have a chance to meet this year’s finalists at their respective field days in August and September. These events have always proved popular and are an excellent way of showcasing the achievements of our finalists” she says.
The new amended dates for the field days are as follows:
Field Day 1: Thursday 25 August
Field Day 2: Thursday 1 September
Field Day 3: Thursday 8 September
The awards dinner will be held on Friday 21 October at the Pettigrew Green Arena in Hawke’s Bay.
Nukuhia Hadfield says 2022 has been a very challenging year for many Māori Sheep and Beef farmers – especially those on the East Coast of the North Island. “The heavy rains in March had a catastrophic effect on some Māori farms – akin to the devastating Cylone Bola in 1988. The torrential rain caused massive slips on many farms destroying fences, tracks and other infrastructure. Stock have also been lost or affected by the storms. It will take considerable time and effort to restore these farms to their former state,” she says.
But she says despite the setbacks, the prospects are good for another excellent Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. Nukuhia Hadfield says the Ahuwhenua Trophy has always been a highlight of the year for the agri sector and the 2022 competition will be no exception.
For further information contact Peter Burke, 021 2242184 / peterj@true-to-ireland.com
Our thanks to our valued Ahuwhenua Trophy sponsors: Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Te Tumu Paeroa, BNZ, NZ Mãori Tourism, B+LNZ, AgResearch, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, PGG Wrightson, AFFCO, BDO, Allflex, Massey University, Kono Wines and FARMAX.
A big thanks also to sponsors of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award: Te Puni Kōkiri, Primary ITO, Te Tumu Paeroa, B+LNZ and Allflex.