Couple's Ahuwhenua win 57 years ago still tasting sweet
This week the winner of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori Dairy farm will be announced at a gala dinner in Hamilton.
The finalists for the 2024 Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori dairy farm were announced at a special function in Parliament earlier this week.
The event was attended by politicians, including Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka, agribusiness leaders, diplomats and the finalists themselves.
This year’s two finalists are Mangakino-based Wairarapa moana ki Pouakani Incorporation, and Opotiki-based Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board.
The Ahuwhenua Trophy, which celebrates excellence in Māori farming, was inaugurated 91 years ago by Sir Apirana Ngata and the Governor General at the time, Lord Bledisloe.
On a three-year rotational basis, the awards focus on a different section of agriculture, rotating through the sheep and beef, horticulture, and dairy sectors. This year, the competition is for dairy.
Nukuhia Hadfield, chair of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management committee says this year’s finalists, along with other entrants in the competition, show the strength and determination of Māori dairy farmers to successfully overcome adversity and get on with the daily task of producing their products sustainably.
“Aotearoa should be proud of what they do and the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition ensures that their efforts are recognised and celebrated,” she says.
The finalists will each hold a public field day at their respective properties. The winner is then to be announced at an awards dinner held on 17 May 2024 at the Globox Arena, Claudelands Event Centre, in Hamilton.
Field Day Dates
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
New Zealand farmers are committed to making their businesses more resilient to climate change and are embracing innovation to help them do so.
OPINION: This old mutt well remembers the wailing, whining and gnashing of teeth by former West Coast MP and Labour…
OPINION: Your canine crusader gets a little fed up with the some in media, union hacks, opposition politicians and hard-core…