Pan-iwi Māori inshore fishing business Moana has won the Safe and Healthy Work Environment Award in this year's Primary Industries Good Employer Awards for going above and beyond formal requirements to develop its Hīkoi ki te Ora wrap around approach to health and wellness.

The programme extends to exercise, nutrition, mental wellness and budgeting, and also incorporates whānau and the communities where their employees are based.

Northland company Forestry Protection Services was highly commended in the health and safety section and won the Employee Development category for its Tupu Ake programme – delivered in partnership with North Tec and Te Matarau Education Trust.

This offers rangatahi the chance to develop life skills and qualifications while in full time paid work.

The company, owned by Kevin and Kylie Ihaka, has an outstanding safety record despite operating in a high risk industry.

The winner of the Māori Agribusiness Award was dairy processing company Miraka.

Forestry Minister Shane Jones. who presented the award, says Miraka has been a standout performer since it was established in 2009, building a viable export-led company for its Māori shareholders that exports to Vietnam and China.

Its outstanding employment practises include an annual powhiri to welcome new staff, their whānau, suppliers and contractors, and the creation of a Miraka staff haka and pātere.

Follow us on &

Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com