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The finalists of the Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award at Parliament, Wellington, late last month. Photo by John Cowpland / alphapix.
Māori don't talk much about the good things they do and don’t talk themselves up enough, says the Minister of Māori Development, Te Ururoa Flavell.
He said this at a function at parliament recently to announce the finalists in the Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award, contested by Māori sheep and beef farmers.
At least 100 people – MPs, business people and government officials – gathered in parliament’s grand hall to hear the finalists, all North Island located: Omapere Rangihamama Trust, Kaikohe; Ron and Buzz King, Puketawa Station, Eketahuna; and Pukepoto Farm Trust, Ongarue near Taumarunui.
Flavell says the Ahuwhenua Trophy awards need to be talked up because, apart from being the premier agricultural award for Māori it carries with it a lot of mana.
“Its history helps highlight the great contribution Maori make to the economy of the country. The finalists should be proud of their achievement in making it to the finals,” he says.
Primary Industry Minister Nathan Guy, presenting the finalists with their medals, said their farms are shining examples of Māori farmers’ commitment to sustainably developing their land for future generations.
Guy expressed pride in the key role Māori play in New Zealand’s primary industries.
“The asset base of the Māori economy is worth over $42 billion, most of it focused on the primary industries. Māori collectively own 40% of forestry land, 38% of fishing quota, and 30% of lamb production, to name a few examples.
“Right across the economy, Māori are successful players and many of their companies and entities are amongst the top performing commercial operations in NZ.”
The chairman of the Ahuwhenua Trophy management committee, Kingi Smiler, says it is great to see again three top-quality sheep and beef farms selected as finalists for the prestigious trophy. All are performing well despite volatile global markets, low prices and the need to adapt to climate change.
“There is something special about our people looking for practical innovative ways to get through adversity and not retreating into their shells to do nothing. They know farming requires managing cycles -- weather or market -- and they take account of this when drawing up their business plans.
“NZ is fortunate to have Māori farmers because it is in their DNA as kaitiaki (guardians) to manage the fragile environment and invest for future generations. This spiritual closeness to the land is vital in a modern society where consumers not only want food, but also assurance that it is produced sustainably and ethically.”
Smiler says Māori agribusiness is in good shape and he believes the Ahuwhenua Trophy has been a major factor in lifting the profile of Māori agribusinesses and showcasing its contribution to the NZ economy.
In a few weeks the winner of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori dairy farm will be revealed at a gala dinner in Hamilton. In the past couple of weeks, the two finalists in this year’s competition have been holding on-farm field days to showcase why they are finalists. Peter Burke has attended both field days.
The finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy competition to select the top Māori dairy farm in the country are now busy planning and organising field days at their respective properties.
Two dairy farms – one at Mangakino in the central North Island and one at Opotiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are the finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy.
The finalists for the 2024 Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori dairy farm were announced at a special function in Parliament earlier this week.
Entries to select the top Māori dairy farm for the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition are being invited from all Māori dairy farmers, trusts and other entities around the country.
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Dairy
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