Te Aroha, a dairy farm run on Māori land in the Waikato Region has had a revamp and overhaul.
A development program was established, which included a specially designed farm track engineered for the dairy herd to walk easily to the cowshed. The track included a significant causeway, creating a bridge between the front and rear of the farm. That causeway enabled land previously only suitable for dairy support to be brought into the dairy platform. Significantly higher rents were achieved for the landowners of Te Aroha through this investment.
As part of the new development, a future-proof effluent system was integrated to lower the environmental impact of the nitrogen on the land and waterways. The effluent pond has been constructed to a size that will allow for the milking of 650-700 cows through the shed.
The building of a new four bedroom dwelling was contracted to house farming staff.
A blessing of the new home was undertaken earlier this month and attended by the Advisory Trustees, new lessees and staff of Te Tumu Paeroa, as the Responsible Trustee for the land.
Advisory Trustee George Skudder has been part of the development journey and has worked with Te Tumu Paeroa to develop an ongoing relationship.
“The last 12 months have been ideal. The new vision of Te Tumu Paeroa was broadcasted to the people with a message of change. At the same time the trustees of Te Aroha wanted to have a more hands-on trusteeship at Te Aroha as owners. This change has been most beneficial to both groups and the visible changes happening on the whenua are a result of this. We are Māori owners, and the transition from Te Tumu Paeroa back to the Tuhourangi uri is to be gradual, ensuring the development undertaken contributes to the kaupapa of best farming practices,” says George.
Head of Te Tumu Paeroa, Jamie Tuuta, supports the work being done at Te Aroha and the relationship pathway for the trustees and Te Tumu Paeroa is in line with the strategic vision.
“We stand firm in our beliefs that the best people to govern Māori land are the owners and trustees themselves. Behind me is an organisation with experience, enthusiasm and passion to help prepare owners and trustees for a greater governance role in the future. We’re looking to support Māori landowners to achieve their aspirations for their whenua in a long lasting relationship if they wish,” says Jamie.
Advisory Trustee George Skudder agrees and is setting his sights towards the future of his community by acknowledging the efforts of the past.
“We of Tuhourangi are indebted to Ngati Maru and Ngati Tama te Ra who extended their aroha during the explosion of Tarawera by gifting whenua for Tuhourangi to settle, hence the name Te Aroha. Te Aroha is a farm that can be used in the future to train Māori in the art of farming. I think we need to think how the whenua proceeds can benefit shareholders in a sustainable manner. I do see a continuing role for Te Tumu Paeroa when the transition happens. It would be foolhardy to lose all of Te Tumu Paeroa’s expertise and resources that can help not only Te Aroha but Maoridom in achieving their moemoea as owners,” says George.
