Three properties with strong historical links to their local communities and outstanding modern governance and management practices have been named as the finalists in the 2009 Ahuwhenua Trophy – BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Awards.

They are Morikau Station near Ranana on the Whanganui River, Hereheretau Station, west of Wairoa, and Pakarae Whāngārā B5, north of Gisborne.

Morikau Station, one of Māoridom’s oldest multi-owned properties, is run by the Morikaunui Corporation Board. In 2005 it instigated a comprehensive strategic management programme by introducing innovative stock and pasture management practices and genetic improvement techniques into its flock of mainly Romney sheep and its Angus cattle herd.

Hereheretau Station is administered by the Māori Trustee on behalf of the Māori Soldiers’ Trust. In recent years it has overcome drought, poor natural soil fertility and rampant blackberry infestation, by hard work and sound farming practices. Over the last five years Hereheretau Station has been able to provide grants totalling $221,000 to the Māori Soldiers’ Fund and the Sir Apirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship, which benefit young Māori from all over the country. The education fund became the major recipient of Hereheretau Station profits as its original beneficiaries, World War 1 soldiers, gradually died out.

Pakarae Whāngārā B5, a farm of more than 5,600 hectares was formed in 2006, bringing together two significant bodies of land under one management structure. The move provided greater economies of scale, which were able to secure better pricing in the retail market, and create cost efficiencies within the business. The Pakarae Whāngārā B5 partnership has a strong commitment to sustainable farming and the training of its young people in all aspects of modern farming from paddock to boardroom.

Two runner-up properties were selected by the judges. They are Pouto Topu A Trust, a 670 ha property located at Te Kopuru in Northland, and Pohaturoa Station, a 4,100 ha property which is located in the Wairoa District.

Ahuwhenua Trophy judge Andy Bray, of Meat & Wool New Zealand, said that what stood out for him was that “all entrants had a strong commitment to care for the assets of past and future generations while at the same time having a focus on achieving good bottom line performance in the short to medium term”.

“Māori farmers, many of whom are farming as iwi-based enterprises, are thirsting for knowledge and are in the forefront of adopting new approaches and business models,” said John Acland, the chief judge for the competition.

Field days were held at Hereheretau Station on 23 April, Morikau Station on 30 April, and Pakarae Whāngārā B5 on 7 May. The supreme award winner and recipient of the 2009 Ahuwhenua Trophy – BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in Gisborne on 19 June.

BNZ is the platinum sponsor for the award. Gold sponsors are Te Puni Kōkiri, AgResearch, and Meat & Wool New Zealand; silver sponsors are PGG Wrightson, and Ballance Agri-Nutrients; and bronze sponsors are the Māori Trustee, MAF, Agriculture ITO, Yamaha and BDO Spicers. Other sponsors are Landcorp, Tohu Wines, AFFCO, Poutama Business Trust and DB Breweries.