April 03, 2026

#economy: HORTICULTURE PRIDE ON DISPLAY AS OTAMA MARERE DRAWS CROWD OF 200

Matthew Tukaki Posted On April 3, 2026

More than 200 people have turned out in the Bay of Plenty this week for a major field day showcasing one of the country’s leading Māori horticulture operations.

Otama Marere Trust, based at Paengaroa near Te Puke, opened its gates as one of three finalists in the 2026 Ahuwhenua Trophy competition, drawing strong interest from across the sector.

Favourable weather helped deliver a large turnout, with visitors given an up-close look at the Trust’s diverse land use, including orchards, native plantings and protected wetlands.

The event highlighted the Trust’s broader kaupapa beyond kiwifruit production, with a strong focus on environmental restoration and intergenerational stewardship of Māori land.

Otama Marere manages 45 hectares of Māori freehold land and has built a multi-faceted operation that now includes more than 21 hectares of kiwifruit and avocados, alongside 6.3 hectares of wetlands. The Trust also invests in commercial property and Māori partnerships as part of its diversification strategy.

The land carries deep history, taking its name from a former pā site linked to Rangiiwaho and his whānau. Established as an Ahu Whenua Trust in 1979, the whenua was initially leased to the Te Puke Golf Club before being transformed into productive orchards in the 1980s under the leadership of Sir Peter Tapsell.

Visitors to the field day heard about that journey, from early development through to today’s modern horticulture operation, before touring the orchard to see current innovations in action.

Otama Marere has been recognised for its leadership in the sector, including being among the first Māori-owned orchards to adopt SunGold G3 kiwifruit, contributing to a steady rise in productivity and performance.

The field day is part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy programme, which celebrates excellence in Māori farming and horticulture.

Despite poor weather forcing the cancellation of an earlier field day at another finalist property in Te Puke, the competition remains on track, with judging already completed.

Attention now turns north, with the final field day set to take place at Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust in Kerikeri later this month.

The winner of the 2026 Ahuwhenua Trophy will be announced at an awards dinner in Whangārei on 5 June.