April 01, 2026

#whanau: rising Māori leader in the horticulture sector takes the lead

Dale Husband Posted On April 1, 2026

Dale Husband #whanau: rising Māori leader in the horticulture sector takes the lead

A rising Māori leader in the horticulture sector is being recognised for her contribution to the industry and commitment to whenua and whānau.

Larissa Wooding-Ngata of Ngāti Porou has been named a finalist in the 2026 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award, representing Craigmore Sustainables in Tairāwhiti.

The award celebrates emerging talent in Māori agribusiness, with a focus on leadership, innovation and a strong connection to land and community.

Wooding-Ngata is part of a new generation helping to shape the future of horticulture, one of Aotearoa’s fastest-growing primary sectors. Her work reflects a balance between productivity and the values of kaitiakitanga, with a focus on sustainable practices and long-term outcomes for whānau and whenua.

Through her role at Craigmore Sustainables, she has developed her skills in orchard management while also strengthening her leadership capabilities within the industry.

As part of the awards process, finalists take part in field days where they share their approach to horticulture and the principles that guide their work. For Wooding-Ngata, that includes a strong connection to Ngāti Porou and a commitment to ensuring the land continues to provide for future generations.

The recognition also opens up further opportunities, including a study tour aimed at developing knowledge and building networks across the sector.

The Ahuwhenua Awards continue to highlight the growing presence of Māori leadership in primary industries, with young growers like Wooding-Ngata seen as key to shaping a more sustainable and culturally grounded future for horticulture in Aotearoa.