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Turanga’s Wi Pere Trust has harvested this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori horticultural enterprise.
It follows last year’s win where the trust took the trophy for the top sheep and beef farm.
Former Ahuwhenua Trust chair Kingi Smiler, who sits on the Wi Pere board, says all the finalists had faced incredibly challenging conditions this season including frosts, floods and cyclones, and their ability to clean up and put on a good show at the field days was a testament to how they are building assets for the next generation.
“These are the kaitiaki we have today. They’re doing their bit now becuase they know they’re handing it on to the next generation. I think that adds the strength and resliance to overcome issues like Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle because we always know we are going to be here as trustees and stewards for the next generation,” he says.
The Young Maori Grower of the year award went to 21-year-old Grace Rehu, a leading hand for Turners and Growers in Puketapu, Hawke’s Bay.
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