Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Finalists Announced

The finalists in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award for 2023 have been announced. They are:

Grace Rehu, Rangitane, Taranaki. Leading Hand Turners and Growers, Puketapu, Hawke’s Bay.

Erica Henare, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Maniapoto. Pip Fruit and Kiwifruit Manager, Kono NZ LP, Motueka.

Alix Te Kere, Ngati Kuhungunu, Ngati Tu, Ngati Maru, Ngati Maniapoto. Health and Safety Advisor, Rockit Management Services, Hastings.

The Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer and Grower award was inaugurated in 2012 and is designed to recognise up and coming young Māori in the pastoral and horticulture sectors. The three finalists this year were selected from a number of entrants from around the country. This is only the second year the competition for the Young Māori Grower has been held.

Representing Te Tumu Paeroa and the judging panel, Aaron Hunt says despite all the recent challenges that the horticultural sector has faced in recent months it is amazing to see three very worthy young Māori growers come forward as finalists. He says all of them have demonstrated that they are committed to working in the sector and have fine leadership qualities.

Aaron Hunt says horticulture is in the DNA of Māori and they are naturally close to the whenua both physically and spiritually. It is perhaps why more and more young Māori are choosing career paths in this sector.

“Despite all the recent destruction caused by cyclone Gabrielle and other storms, and the frost that hit the kiwifruit badly last October, there is still a strong spirit of hope and resilience in the sector. Māori also have the advantage in that they believe in the long-term plan and know that they will overcome the present headwinds, globally and locally. For young Māori, the horticulture industry remains a great career option offering an appealing outdoor lifestyle but the lure of technology and innovation is taking the sector to new levels. The opportunities in this and other areas of the primary sector are limitless,” he says.
 
Aaron Hunt says since the competition was inaugurated it has brought to the fore some outstanding Māori young farmers and growers who are exemplars for all young people in Aotearoa. He says this alumni is fast becoming a powerful network which is showcasing emerging Māori leaders who show industry achievement.

This year’s finalists in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower award will be at some of the field days being held by the Ahuwhenua Trophy finalists. He says this will give them the opportunity to widen their networks, meet leaders in the horticultural industry and further develop their leadership opportunities.

More details and profiles of the finalists can be found on the Ahuwhenua Awards website 

Photos courtesy of Alphapix