Cedric Nepia (Kaiwhakarite, Whanganui Office) polishes and cleans the Ahuwhenua Trophy (Meat and Wool) prior to leaving for Ruatōria and the third in the series of three regional field days which precede the main event, a gala evening.

Cedric is Te Puni Kōkiri’s designated “minder” of two Ahuwhenua trophies, one for meat and wool and the other for excellence in dairy. Originally donated by Lord Bledisloe, both of these taonga are cared for jointly by Te Puni Kōkiri and the Whanganui Regional Museum, and are significant pieces from New Zealand history.