September 30, 2014
Farming excellence award launched
Maori sheep and beef farmers are being asked to consider contesting next year’s Auhwhenua Trophy for Maori farming excellence.
Launching the 2015 award at last weekend’s Federation of Maori Authorities conference, Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Michelle Hippolite said it was a showcase for excellence, achievement, and for encouraging Maori innovation.
She says the competition can be credited with driving continued improvements in Maori agribusiness.
Entrants receive expert feedback from judges, which allows them to implement changes and improve performance regardless of whether they are chosen as finalists.
Previous winners say they also benefit from interaction and tips from finalists and peers at field days, and going through the process helps their governance.
Ms Hippolite says annual earnings from meat and dairy exports from Maori farms is over $3.4 billion, and whanau and trusts are collaborating to create larger and more profitable and sustainable farms.
Alongside the Ahuwhenua Trophy is run the Maori Young Farmer of the Year award.
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