Maori ag sector 'one to watch'
The Māori agriculture sector is experiencing major growth and the Director General of Ministry for Primary Industries Ray Smith says it's an area to watch with its value trebling in the past decade.
They are Alix Te Kere, who’s a health and safety advisor, Rockit Management Services, Hastings, Erica Henare, pipfruit and kiwifruit manager, Kono NZ LP, Motueka and Grace Rehu, a leading hand at Turners and Growers, Puketapu, Hawke’s Bay.
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.
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Alix Te Kere. Photo Credit: Alphapix |
Spokesperson for the competition Aaron Hunt says despite all the 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.
Hunt says horticulture is in the DNA of Māori and they are naturally close to the whenua, both physically and spiritually. He believes it is perhaps why more and more young Māori are choosing career paths in this sector.
“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.”
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Grace Te Rehu. Photo Credit: Alphapix |
