A Māori-owned 1,100 hectare farm in Whangaruru has won the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy, which celebrates excellence in Māori farming. This year, the trophy focused on drystock farming. 

The award recognises the Trust’s journey to restore and invest in the whenua since regaining previously alienated land in 2020.

“When we received our lands back there was a huge restoration programme that needed to be undertaken,” says Trust Co-Chair Huhana Lyndon.

“We needed water supply, fencing, roading, the house needed refurbishment, so we proactively went out to find ways to do that.”

The Trust set itself a goal to own a million-dollar herd of beef cattle. It achieved this goal in 2023, running approximately 1,000 bulls, as well as 40 sheep used as a source of meat for tangihanga at the local marae.

With the support of partners, such as Te Puni Kōkiri and Northland Regional Council, the farm benefits 1,407 owners. Its social, community and cultural goals focus on protecting the environment, promoting the connection between whānau and whenua, investing in people and community, and horticulture for marae and commercial purposes. For example, the Trust has invested in maintenance and facilities for Tuparehuia Marae and Ngaiotonga Marae, and it provides financial support for kapa haka, educational and sporting activities at Whangaruru School, as well as offering annual education grants to support whānau who are studying.

Not only has the Trust turned an unproductive block into a successful and productive farm that supports its community, it has also established an active environmental and sustainability programme. 
Working with Northland Regional Council, the Trust fenced off 443 hectares of native bush and wetlands. The wetlands are ranked among Northland’s top 150 due to their diverse native plant life and the presence of threatened species, including Matuku-hūrepo (Bittern) and Pāteke (Brown Teal). 

In addition, the Trust is collaborating with the council to eradicate sika deer.

The Trust also recently celebrated wins in the Climate Recognition and Agri-Business Management categories at the Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards.