By Ben Chapman-Smith, Federated Farmers While most teenagers are winding down for a relaxing summer ahead, Gisborne’s Jodiesha Kirkpatrick is sharpening the combs and cutters for her first crack at full-time shearing. The 17-year-old grabbed the farming world’s attention recently when Federated Farmers posted a Facebook photo showing Jodiesha holding her 200th lamb shorn in […]
Maori Agri Business
Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Finalists Announced
The finalists in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award for 2023 have been announced. They are: Alix Te Kere, Ngati Kuhungunu, Ngati Tu, Ngati Maru, Ngati Maniapoto. Health and Safety Advisor, Rockit Management Services, Hastings. Erica Henare, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Maniapoto. Pip Fruit and Kiwifruit Manager, Kono NZ LP, Motueka. Grace Rehu, Rangitane, Taranaki. Leading […]
Government investment to support growth of Māori primary sector
The government is investing in more on-the-ground support, innovation, and workforce development as part of a new plan to grow Māori businesses and jobs in the food and fibre sector, announced Associate Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri. “Farmers are the backbone of our economy and our dedicated Māori primary sector plan is focussed on supporting the […]
Māori farming celebrated at Ahuwhenua Trophy 2022
Gisborne’s Wi Pere Trust took out the 2022 Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori sheep and beef farm while assistant farm manager Chloe-Butcher Herries won the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Award for sheep and beef at this year’s awards in Napier, Hawke’s Bay. Trudy Meredith of Wi Pere Trust says winning the Ahuwhenua Trophy was absolutely […]
Turning challenges into opportunities
Combating methane emissions, the future of Māori farming, and sustained profitability were some of the issues discussed at a Federated Farmers Meat & Wool Industry Council panel discussion in Wellington recently. Moderated by Meat & Wool National Industry chair William Beetham, on the panel was Beef + Lamb independent director Bayden Barber (Ngāti Kahungunu), Beef […]
Wairoa farm hosts Ahuwhenua Trophy Field Day
About 300 people attended a field day at Hereheretau Station last week, located 30km north of Wairoa. Hereheretau Station the major asset of the Māori Soldiers Trust which was set up in 1917 to help local Māori veterans returning from the First World War. Hereheretau Station is a 2,000ha sheep and beef operation and was […]
Māori business exports worth $872m in 2021
A total of $872 million worth of goods were exported by Māori authorities last year, up from the previous year’s total of $755 million reports Stats NZ. The Tatauranga umanga Māori: 2021 report showed that milk powder, butter and cheese contributed around a quarter of these exports. The total income of Māori authorities in the […]
Successful Ahuwhenua Trophy Field Day
A field day held last week at Onuku Māori Lands Trust, located at Rerewhakaaitu near Rotorua attracted a large crowd of visitors. Onuku Māori Lands Trust is one of three finalists in this year’s prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy, Excellence in Māori Farming Award for the top Māori sheep and beef farm. Guests included the Minister of […]
Three Communities to Share $8M Research Fund to Revitalise te Taiao
Three pilot projects in Paeroa, Taranaki and Wānaka have each received a share of $8 million to revitalise te Taiao and share their pathway with others seeking to revitalise te Taiao in their places. The funding recipients, announced today by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge (Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai), collectively […]
Regenerative farming trial begins in Canterbury
The Government is partnering with Ngāi Tahu Farming Limited and Ngāi Tūāhuriri on a whole-farm scale study in North Canterbury to validate the science of regenerative farming. The programme aims to scientifically evaluate the financial, social and environmental differences between regenerative and conventional practices. “The seven-year research programme, called ‘Te Whenua Hou Te Whenua Whitiora […]