Ahuwhenua Finalists announced

The finalists are:

• Ngai Tukairangi Trust;
• MIL – Whiritoa Orchards; and
• Wi Pere Trust

Ahuwhenua Trophy is the most prestigious award for excellence in Māori farming and was inaugurated 90 years ago by Sir Āpirana Ngata and the Governor General at the time, Lord Bledisloe. The objective was and still is to encourage Māori farmers to improve their land and their overall farming performance with an emphasis on sustainability. On a three-year rotational basis, the Trophy is competed for by Māori in the horticulture, dairy and sheep and beef sectors.

This is only the second time the competition for horticulture has been held.

Nukuhia Hadfield, Chair of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee, says the competition committee is very mindful of the disastrous consequences of Cyclone Gabrielle, not to mention the numerous other adverse weather events that have affected the sector in the past six months. She says that before Cyclone Gabrielle struck, the judges were able to visit the properties of all the entrants and select three excellent finalists. Hadfield mentioned that despite the current situation potential potentially introducing changes to the judging process, it is possible to hold the competition and still determine a winner. 

“We have selected three incredible finalists, all of whom could be worthy winners of the Ahuwhenua Trophy for Horticulture. Before Cyclone Gabrielle struck, they had to deal with the ongoing effects of Covid-19, shortages of labour and logistical issues. They have already proved their resilience and determination to work their way through adversity, although dealing with the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle is a much higher mountain to climb,” she says.

During his speech, Minister Willie Jackson mentioned how it was a pleasure to be in the presence of some of the finest horticulturalists in Aotearoa. He also highlighted that this is the 90th anniversary of the Trophy.  

Nukuhia Hadfield says the finalists along with all the other entrants have made a significant contribution to the economic success of Aotearoa which is not widely known or recognised. The aim of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition is to follow the vision of Sir Āpirana Ngata and Lord Bledisloe by changing this narrative and showcasing our success to the wider public.

Te Tumu Paeroa Trust and Property Director, Sonya Rimene congratulates this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy finalists. Rimene says the announcement was an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate the success of not only the finalists for this year’s award but all those who entered.

“Many people and organisations in the agribusiness sector have been impacted by the recent flooding and cyclone, so to see the finalists here today was a testament to their mana. Tihei mauri ora” she said.

The winner will be announced at the awards dinner held on 9 June 2023 at the Trustpower Baypark Stadium, in Tauranga.

Photo credit: Alphapix

See Ahuwhenua Trophy for full finalist summaries