Finalists of Ahuwhenua Trophy announced

Māori Development

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the two finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy at Parliament yesterday. 

“I am pleased to see such a high calibre of Māori dairy farms featured as finalists this year,” Mr Potaka says.

The finalists for 2024 are:

  • Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani
  • Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board

“The Ahuwhenua Trophy is the most prestigious award in Māori farming. The trophy celebrates excellence in New Zealand’s important pastoral and horticultural sectors. 

“I want to mihi to our finalists who genuinely exemplify excellence in the dairy sector and, through their innovation and hard work, are inspiring the next generation of Māori farmers.

“Māori farming is a critical anchor of the Māori economy and a powerful driver of the New Zealand economy. 

“I’m particularly proud of the way so many Māori farmers balance economic benefit with sustainable environmental protection.

“This balance helps to provide jobs for communities as well as kaitiakitanga in the guardianship of whenua for our tamariki, rangatahi and future generations,” Mr Potaka says.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy is in its 91st year and showcases the enormous contribution that Māori agribusinesses make to regional communities, as well as domestic and international markets.

ENDS

 

Editors Notes: 

  • The Ahuwhenua Trophy was originally launched in 1933 by Sir Apirana Ngata and Lord Bledisloe, the Governor-General at the time. 
  • The competition was relaunched in 2003 and Māori agribusiness is an integral part of the New Zealand economy. 
  • In 2012, the young Māori farms award was introduced.
  • The Minister for Māori Development, The Minister of Primary Industries and The Secretary for Māori Development are the Trustees of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. 
  • Nukuhia Hadfield is the Chairman of the Ahuwhenua Management Committee which manages and supervises the competition.