Farmers make the finals for trophy
Eketahuna’s R A & J G King Partnership are one of the three finalists for the 2017 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Ma¯ ori Excellence in Farming Award for sheep and beef announced recently at Parliament by Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy.
All three finalist farms are from the North Island. They are:
Omapere Rangihamama Trust (Kaikohe)
RA & JG King Partnership, Puketawa Station (Eketahuna)
Pukepoto Farm Trust (Ongarue near Taumarunui).
The Chairman of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management committee, Kingi Smiler, says it is great to once again see three top quality sheep and beef farms selected as finalists for the trophy.
“All are performing very well in some of the most challenging times the New Zealand primary sector has encountered with volatile global markets and low prices together with a need to adapt to climate change. The people who run these operations are positive and confident about their future and are taking an approach that Sir Apirana Ngata, who inaugurated the competition would have wished.”
He says in difficult times it is important that leaders emerge and show the way for others. Mr Smiler says more than ever role models are needed in Ma¯ ori agribusiness.
“There is something very special about our people in that they look for practical innovative ways to get through adversity and don’t retreat into their shells and do nothing. They know that farming is about managing cycles, be they weather or market and they take account of this when drawing up their business plans. New Zealand is fortunate to have Ma¯ ori farmers because it is in their DNA as kaitiaki to manage the fragile environment and invest for future generations. This spiritual closeness to the land is vital in a modern society where consumers not only want food, they want assurance that it is done sustainably and ethically.” he says.
Ma¯ ori agribusiness is in very good shape, and the Ahuwhenua Trophy has been a major factor in lifting the profile and showcasing Ma¯ ori agribusinesses contribution to the New Zealand economy.