Two farms from the North Island east coast and one from Central Hawkes Bay are the finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua competition for the top Māori sheep and beef farm.

Landcorp is to sponsor the Ahuwhenua Trophy, which recognises excellence in Maori dairy and sheep and beef farming.

Massey University has signed as a sponsor of the Ahuwhenua Trophy, awarded annually to the country’s premier Māori farmer.

About 700 people in late May attended a gala awards night in Whangerei, to see Omapere Rangihamama Trust farm, near Kaikohe, awarded the Ahuwhenua Trophy.

Prime Minister Bill English says in most regions Maori now have the potential to become the largest long-term investors.

On Friday the winner of the Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Maori sheep and beef farm will be named at a gala awards dinner in Whangarei.

More than 150 people turned up to Pukepoto Farm Trust on May 4 for the last of three field days in the Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award for sheep and beef.

The board of Omapere Rangihamama Trust is considered a strong one. Its Far North farm is one of the three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for New Zealand’s top Maori sheep and beef farm.

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.

The three sheep and beef finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy competition have been named.