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A Te Kaha land trust is being praised for the long term approach it is taking to assets.
The Hamama Orchard owned by the Te Kaha14B2 trustees has just won the PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award for commitment to people, community and passion for sustainable practice.
Te Tumu Paeroa is the responsible trustee, but Maori Trustee Jamie Tuuta says there is an active group of advisory trustees from within the 63 owners.
Because the trust had not capital, it brought in an experienced joint venture partner in 1999 to plant and run the 4.5 hectare orchard for 20 years, after which the entire operation reverts to the owners.
Mr Tuuta says it now provides work for up to 30 locals, and the owners have an eye to the future.
"They’ve made a conscious decision to withhold distributions to themselves and to other owners on the basis they would like to invest further in the kiwifriuit industry in Te Kaha so I think it's a fantastic story of success and what it points to is the leadership shown by these owners, the determination and commitment to inter-generational investing," he says.
Mr Tuuta says the trustees decided the prize, $1000 of PGG Wrightson vouchers, should go to buy winter gear for the workers of the Te Kaha orchards.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE TUUTA CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjcxMjg=
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