On Monday 7th July, Hawera had a Mayoral reception to recognise two significant South Taranaki farming wins.
The Māori Dairy Farm of the Year, attained by Te Rua o Te Moko Ltd, and New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year, attainedThe Mayor, Ross Dunlop says the national achievements had to be celebrated.
“These results really show how capable the farming community is in South Taranaki, and it was so important for the community, mayor and councillors, to recognise these significant achievements locally,” says the Mayor, Ross Dunlop.
Te Rua o Te Moko Ltd was named the 2014 Māori Dairy Farm of the year in the Ahuwhenua Trophy – BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award. The farm is a joint dairy venture which brings four trusts together, into one large farm – delivering benefits to 1,100 landowners.
Te Tumu Paeroa Business Performance Manager, Blair Waipara, has been involved in the governance and management of Te Rua o Te Moko. He says that the farm excelled in all categories of the competition.
“The judges told us that they were particularly impressed with the farm’s vision, the clarity of purpose, and the level of connectivity that owners had with the business.
“Also of mention was their impression of the quality of the people on the farm – including owners, board members, sharemilkers, and governance,” says Blair.
The Mayor also acknowledged New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Charlie and Jody McCaig, who also farm in Hawera. The couple won the 2014 overall award, as well as winning a lot of the section titles within the award.
To celebrate these successes, representatives from the council, local Iwi, Fonterra, and Federated Farmers were all in attendance.