Three outstanding young Māori horticulturalists have been named as finalists for the 2026 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award.
The three finalists are:
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Larissa Wooding-Ngata, Ngāti Porou, from Craigmore Sustainables, Gisborne
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Robert John Manuel, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Rehia, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raakaipaaka, from Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust, Kerikeri
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Te Rina Joe, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu, from Pakuratahi Orchard for Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Ltd Hawke’s Bay Lead Judge Sam Vivian-Greer of Te Tumu Paeroa says the finalists represent the next generation of leaders in New Zealand's fastest-growing primary sector.
"The competition has again attracted a group of fine up-and-coming young Māori leaders in the horticulture sector, which is important because horticulture is now the fastest growing of all the primary sectors," he says.
“There is an ongoing need to have highly qualified young growers coming through the ranks to take up management and leadership roles. This competition is about encouraging and helping rangatahi on their journey to achieve that.”
Māori growers are significant players in the sector – especially in kiwifruit – with exports in the current year topping $4.5-billion and expected to grow even further in the coming years.
“Horticulture has natural appeal to young Māori growers because it offers an outdoor lifestyle combined with excellent career opportunities,” Vivian-Greer says.
The three finalists will attend field days hosted by the senior Ahuwhenua Trophy finalists at Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective in Te Puke, Otama Marere Trust in Paengaroa, and Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust in Kerikeri, where they will observe, learn, and connect with other Māori farmers and horticulturalists.
In the lead-up to the awards ceremony, they will participate in a three-day study tour, designed to provide a range of insights, inspiration and experiences across the horticulture sector.
Winners of both the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award and the Ahuwhenua Trophy – Excellence in Māori Horticulture Award will be announced at the awards dinner on Friday 5 June in Whangārei.
ABOUT THE FINALISTS
Larissa Wooding-Ngata
Ngāti Porou
Foreperson for Craigmore Sustainables, Gisborne
“Looking into the future I aspire to hopefully one day mange an orchard, with my ultimate goal being having a lifestyle block with my own mini orchard.”
A born and raised Gisborne local, Larissa is the Foreperson for Craigmore Sustainables Gisborne, where she has worked since February 2023. She started as an Orchard Leading Hand and quickly progressed to foreperson.
Robert John Manuel
Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Rehia, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raakaipaaka
Supervisor for the Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust, Kerikeri
"This year is a highlight for me because we are extending our team to 21, and we have our own tractors for the harvest. My ultimate goal is to become the Orchard Manager and to watch my team grow and succeed.”
Robert is a Team Supervisor for Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust, where he has worked for the past three years. He brings a decade of experience in the horticulture and kiwifruit industry.
Te Rina Joe
Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu
Pakuratahi Orchard for Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Ltd Hawke’s Bay
“My goals for the future are to one day manage the orchard I work on and to create opportunities for my friends and whanau within the workplace and inspire them to pursue careers here as well.”
Te Rina grew up in Napier and spent much of her youth in Mohaka and Otane, where her whānau are from.
A big thanks also to sponsors of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award
Kaitautoko Tuatahi: Te Tumu Paeroa
Kaitautoko Taketake: Te Puni Kōkiri, Women in Horticulture: United Fresh New Zealand and Horticulture New Zealand
Nga Kaitautoko: New Zealand Apples & Pears
Notes to Editor/Media:
Material:
- For further information contact Peter Burke on 021 224 2184 or peterj@true-to-ireland.com
- For ‘free for editorial use’ photos of competition go to the Alphapix website and contact John Cowpland from Alphapix for download access on info@alphapix.co.nz.
- For more details about the competition: visit history and past winners of the trophy on this website.
