November 25, 2013
Kaikohe land trust converts to dairy
Te Tumu Paeroa, the new Maori Trustee, is joining forces with a Northland land trust to convert part of a Kaikohe farm into dairy.
The Rangihamama Farm is currently used for forestry, maize cropping and sheep and beef.
Omapere Taraire E & Rangihamama X3A Ahu Whenua Trust chair Sonny Tau says the joint venture will use about 270 hectares for a 500 cow operation.
He says the intention is to model the land-use for other Maori and non-Maori Trusts and provide training opportunities at all levels of operations and governance.
The Ministry of Primary Industries has also helped with the development.
The conversion is due to be completed by February.
Mr Tau says his trust has a vision of sustaining its people from the land, which means looking for ways to use the whenua to its maximum potential.
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