Southland Farmers Named 2026 Sustainable Farming Ambassadors
Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.
The couple have been recognised for their low-input, pasture-based farming system that enhances biodiversity while maintaining strong productivity.
Situated against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Taranaki, the Hoopers’ 144ha (90ha effective) property has undergone significant transformation since they purchased the family farm in 2003. What was once a traditional sheep and beef unit has evolved into a precision dairy grazing operation underpinned by infrastructure investment, pasture improvement and environmental stewardship.
Judges described the Hoopers as “a great farming couple working and living on the land, while enhancing and protecting the natural resources that surround them.”
They also noted the operation as “a well-managed farming operation working with the high-altitude environment to enhance biodiversity… a great example of a low input farm operation which takes account of the fragile nature of the area, while still maintaining a productive pasture-based system.”
The couple’s tenure has focused heavily on land development and infrastructure. When they began, the property had just four troughs and no races. Today every paddock now has reticulated water. Significant re-grassing and a shift toward organic liquid fertilisers have improved soil health and pasture diversity.
Environmental protection has been central to their approach. The Hoopers have fenced and retired 32ha of wetland forest remnants, creating an important ecological connection to Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki National Park. They are continuing intergenerational guardianship of Gratiola concinna, a nationally endangered wetland herb, working alongside the Department of Conservation on translocation projects and habitat protection.
Extensive riparian planting, stock exclusion and water monitoring have resulted in excellent water quality outcomes, with regional council testing confirming strong macroinvertebrate index results.
Philip’s innovative, DIY approach has also seen the installation of solar-powered pumps and mobile-monitored flow meters that detect leaks instantly. Diversification into glamping and active involvement in local catchment groups further strengthens the resilience of their business.
“We live in a place of natural beauty on the side of our stunning maunga. Enhancing and protecting that environment while building a profitable business is something we’re very proud of,” Lyneyre said.
