Ahuwhenua Trophy

Sheep & Beef 2011

Waipapa 9 Trust, achieved an historic “first” being the first Maori Trust to consecutively win the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming for Sheep & Beef (2011) and Dairy Farming (2010). The awards were held on Friday 3rd June 2011 at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua where Dawson Haa, Chairman, accepted the Trophy on behalf of the staff, board of trustees and shareholders, commending the success to a great team and good governance.

Once again Waipapa opened up their farming operations to an intense judging panel, including hosting a Field Day for the public. Judging was based on Governance, Social/Community/Nga Tikanga Maori, Management and Performance including financial, productivity, farm/stock, employment, environment, sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation.

The judges were impressed by farm operational strategies and policies and an implementation plan executed with precision and passion, key strengths being:

• Farm Surplus of $345/ha, well above average for the land class, and enhanced by a consistently good gross farm income
• Lambing at 125%, above the class average, and very significant for a farm with over 6,000 ewes.

The Trust’s overall goal is to grow the business in a sustainable way and maximise returns through better use of the land, increased productivity, improved profitability and growth through innovation. It also strives for minimal impact on the environment through increased awareness, strategic investment, sustainable management practices and high levels of management capability.

As well as being presented with the Ahuwhenua Trophy, Waipapa 9 Trust received up to $40,000 in cash, services and farm products. This included a Farm First Growth Programme from Platinum sponsor, BNZ, a Yamaha Top Model ATV valued at $16,000, and seeds worth $4,000 from PGG Wrightson.

“I hope our historic win encourages other Maori farmers to make the most of their land and to know that with a great team, hard work and a commitment to improving the land for future generations excellence in farming is within their grasp”