Iwi eyes hort for progress

Tatau Tatau o Te Wairoa Trust’s first foray into horticulture – its commercial arm E Tipu planting 18ha of apples in partnership with Ohuia Incorporation – has been a success and a stepping stone for further growth. This venture was funded through a Provincial Growth Fund loan in 2021 and is already contributing $800,000 annually in salaries to the local economy.

Robin Kaa, general manager of Tatau Tatau Horticulture (Haumako), a subsidiary of E Tipu, told Hort News that this venture has provided them with invaluable lessons and growth. “These have been crucial for the further development we’ve achieved in 2023, and the upcoming projects planned for 2024.”

The Trust has a 109ha farm and currently leases sections for grazing and cropping, with a primary focus on transitioning to high-production horticulture.

“While we haven’t actively engaged in farming as such our focus is on conversion,” says Kaa.

“Horticulture presents a significant opportunity for economic growth and increased returns, creating more jobs, training, and income for our people.

“Situated on the outskirts of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, Wairoa benefits from an ideal climate for horticulture. I believe it’s only a matter of time before the horticultural industry and development expand into our region, and who better to lead that growth than the people of Wairoa.”

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The Trust has developed a six-year strategy focused on a range of potential crops to ensure both their viability in Wairoa and their marketability.

Kaa points out that their approach to land use and development is guided by their commitment to economic growth, high returns and the creating of sustainable long-term employment.

The Trust has reached out to the Government for more financial support. Recently, Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson visited their two orchards.

Kaa says to date they have received support from Ministry for Maori Development, Ministry for Primary Industries and Ministry for Social Development.

“Their support has been crucial to our operations,” he says.

“Minister Patterson’s visit provided an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our achievements and highlight several challenges we are facing.

“These challenges include the need for infrastructure investment, workforce development and training, access to funding and financial support, regulatory support, and assistance for Māori landowners and businesses.”

Kaa says Haumako’s plans include water storage facilities, orchard infrastructure, and the establishment of a first stage packhouse which will provide vital infrastructure for current and future economic growth.

Their goals are to grow diversified crops, employ 35 fulltime orchard staff and develop their own IP brand of fruit. Another goal is to upskill their people to address the high skill demand in horticulture.

Kaa notes that the horticulture industry, like the bigger food and fibre sector, is experiencing labour shortages.

“While horticulture is projected to grow 100%, labour growth is expected to grow only 9%,” he says.

“This highlights the importance of our labour strategy, which focuses on growing and upskilling our people to address the high skill demands. We plan to address labour shortages by primarily developing local talent and only outsourcing labour during peak seasons as needed. Wairoa has a wealth of talent and whānau eager to contribute, making it crucial to harness and develop this local potential.”