Young Māori farmers win big

The Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer/Grower Award is designed to recognise up and coming young Māori in the pastoral and horticulture sectors.

In the running this year alongside Coby were Grace Watson and Puhirere Tau.

In presenting the award, Dr Charlotte Severne, Māori Trustee, was honoured to be able to ensure that all three finalists came away winners, with each gifted a $5,000 scholarship, and an extra $5,000 for the Māori Young Farmer Award winner.

“These finalists are our future. Each of them, expressed a determined commitment to protecting and enhancing the whenua. In support of their future and the future of whenua Māori, it is entirely fitting that Te Tumu Paeroa support the development of our emerging Māori agri-sector leaders through these scholarships,” she said.

As Kaitautoko Tuatahi for the award, Te Tumu Paeroa supports the Young Māori Farmer/Grower Alumni programme, which connects previous finalists, providing networking opportunities to share ideas, support each other and continue to develop the capability within the sector.

In his acceptance speech, Coby said he entered the competition to push himself, and whilst he found the experience challenging, he says it’s helped him to become a better farmer. Paying tribute to his fellow finalists Grace and Puhirere, Coby told the packed-out crowd at the Ahuwhenua awards that the pair were great farmers, but even better people.

Lead judge Sam Vivian-Greer of Te Tumu Paeroa, talking to the Ahuwhenua Trophy team, said once again all three finalists had shown a passion and love for the sheep and beef sector and had made significant achievements in their respective roles. He says the competition helps all of them to develop their own interpersonal skills and get a wider appreciation of the agricultural sector, and in turn build up valuable contacts and networks.

“This competition is about future proofing leadership and excellence in Māori-agri and in the relatively short time it has been running it has done just that. Many winners and finalists have gone on to greater things and I am sure that this cohort will do exactly the same,” he says.

In addition, Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust won the premiere award – the Ahuwhenua Trophy. With The Proprietors of Tawapata South, Onenui Station – recognised as a noteworthy and high achieving finalist.

Both finalists were recognised for their inspiring leadership within the agrisector, along with their innovation, sustainable practice and manaaki for the whenua.

_{Dr Charlotte Severne with 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award Finalists - (left to right) Grace Watson, Coby Warmington and Puhirere Tau.}

^{Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust - Winners of the Ahuwhenua Trophy 2025. (Left to right) Matthew Payne, Farm Manager; James Parsons, Farm Advisor; Hūhana Lyndon and Morris Pita, Co-Chairs; Kieran Weteri-Hepi, Farm Worker; Tori Norman, Trust Administrator.}