Young Farmer/Grower
The award was inaugurated in 2012 and is designed to recognise the achievements of young Māori in the farming and horticultural sectors.
The award runs in a three year cycle, where young Māori involved in sheep and beef, horticulture and dairy are recognised. The 2024 award is for dairy.
Nukuhia Hadfield, Chair of the Management Committee which oversees both the Young Māori Farmer competition and also the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition says the continued growth within the Māori agribusiness sector has opened up new career opportunities for rangatahi. She says in the relatively short time the AYMF competition has been running, it has brought to the fore some outstanding young Māori men and women who have already excelled in their careers. Since becoming finalists or winners they have moved up to new and more responsible roles and many have become inspirational role models.
“I would encourage young Māori men and women to enter this competition. They will find, like others have in the past that it opens up new opportunities and networks and gives them the self-confidence to achieve their full potential. The Ahuwhenua whānau that runs the competition is both welcoming and supportive and not in any way intimidating. They will have a great time,” she says.
I am very thankful for the opportunity of being a part of this Kaupapa. The aroha and manaaki that I have experienced throughout the journey has been amazing. Six short months on from Ahuwhenua Awards I have been a part of so many opportunities that I would have previously thought were way out of my scope. Travelling across the motu to network in different forums alongside the Ahuwhenua Alumni, going home to reconnect with my own Iwi farms, becoming a part of my local community water enhancement trust advocating for wai, Māori and local farmers has been only a few things I’ve been able to do because of the confidence this Kaupapa has given me. In 2025 I’m looking to take the next step in my career as farm manager and am currently weighing up some study options which for once I’m excited to do. Of course, the support from Te Tumu Paeroa has also been a huge enabler for me. From my whānau to you all, I am forever grateful and look forward to reconnecting as we see the next wave of Young Māori Farmers come through.
Contact Info
Ahuwhenua Trophy Office 6.3 Level 6, Berl House 108 The Terrace
info@ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz