In March a wealth of Māori farming expertise was on full display at the Ahuwhenua Trophy Field Days.
In the lead-up to the 2016 BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Awards three finalists, Ngāi Tahu Farming Limited, Tewi Trust and The Proprietors of Rakaia Incorporation, each showcased Māori dairy farming excellence in action.
Te Tumu Paeroa, have had a long association with the Ahuwhenua Awards and are Gold sponsor again this year. The Awards draw attention to excellence in Māori farming which is something Te Tumu Paeroa see as vital to building the capability of Māori agribusiness.
Jamie Tuuta, Māori Trustee and CEO of Te Tumu Paeroa said “The awards help set a benchmark for excellence and provide real, grass roots, role models that others can learn from and aspire to. It’s great to see these farms striving for, and achieving, such high standards in this industry.”
“It’s important to celebrate these success stories and highlight what Māori farms are capable of because it helps guide and encourage others involved in the industry. One of our core goals at Te Tumu Paeroa is to help landowners unlock the potential of Māori land. These three finalists have done just that and their success can help inspire others to travel down this path.”
Te Tumu Paeroa’s work in partnership with Māori land owners includes services such as property management, fund management, business development and trust administration.
Jamie sees a clear link between the services Te Tumu Paeroa provides to Māori land owners, and the achievements the Ahuwhenua Awards recognise.
“We support the Ahuwhenua Trophy because it recognises Māori farmers who are achieving those high aspirations and creating that lasting legacy for the generations to come” he says.
The importance of the Ahuwhenua Awards isn’t lost on the 2016 finalists either.
Hemi Dawson, the Maungatere Farm Manager for Ngāi Tahu Farming, said “Being a finalist means everything to me and it means everything to the iwi. It’s only been three years that we’ve been dairy farming and to achieve this in such a short amount of time is just awesome.”
“Everything we do is for us and for our children’s future. We take a long-term hundred year view, not (just) short term gains. Lots of people talk about being sustainable but I think we’re really doing it” he said.
The Ahuwhenua Awards Dinner will take place in Claudelands, Hamilton on Friday 20 May 2016. For more information please visit www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.
