Rāapa, 22 Whiringa-ā-nuku, 2008
The 2009 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award was launched recently at the premises of last year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy winner Pah Hill Station in Ohakune.
Pah Hill Station has now amalgamated with its next-door neighbour Omerei Station to become the newly formed 5720 hectare Te Pā Station situated 15 kilometres south-east of Ohakune.
Te Pā Station is part of the Atihau-Whanganui Incorporation (AWHI), which farms 41,700 hectares (an area the size of Lake Taupo), from Whanganui to Ohakune.
This is a further opportunity to celebrate “the enormous growth and development” of the Māori agri-business sector, says Kingi Smiler Chairman of the competition’s Management Committee.
Mr Smiler describes the emergence of Te Pā and the story of AWHI’s progress over the past year, as “inspiring”.
Mr Smiler is now encouraging individual farmers, trusts and incorporations to “pick up the challenge” and enter next year’s Sheep and Beef Award.
Entries for the award open today, and will close on January 30, 2009.
Regional judging starts on March 2, and will run until March 20.Field days will be held at the three regional winners’ farms April 23, April 30, and May 7.
The supreme award winner and recipient of the Ahuwhenua Trophy will be announced June 12, at a gala dinner in Gisborne.
The competition aims to recognise excellence in farming and showcase achievement in the Māori sheep and beef sector – in particular, successful approaches to governance, financing, management, innovation, environmental management and the recognition of ngā tikanga Māori.
As well as being presented with the Ahuwhenua Trophy, the winner of the competition will also receive up to $40,000 in cash, services and farm products. Regional winners will each receive $15,000 in cash, services and farm products.
Kingi Smiler says the competition is recognised as “top class” in achieving awareness of best in farming practices and is only possible through the support of sponsors.
BNZ is the Platinum Sponsor for the Award.Gold sponsors are: Te Puni Kōkiri, AgResearch and Meat Wool New Zealand.Silver sponsors are PGG Wrightson, and Ballance AgriNutrients, and Bronze sponsors are the Māori Trustee, Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries, AgITO and BDO Spicers.Sponsor support has also been provided by Landcorp, Tohu Wines, Poutama Trust and Dominion Breweries.
Entry to the competition is free and entry forms are available here or from Te Puni Kōkiri and Māori Trust Offices nationwide.
For more information you can contact Phyllis Mangin at Meat Wool New Zealand: phone 04 474 0698 or email phyllis.mangin@meatandwoolnz.com
For media enquiries please contact: Allie Webber (Media Co-ordinator) phone 04 905 8594 or 021 465 678 or email alliewebber@paradise.net.nz
