Ahuwhenua Trophy

Dairy 2010

“To our past and current owners of Waipapa 9, this Award is for you. Without your vision the work we do on your behalf will be of little value. The Waipapa vision reflects on the importance of those values from our past which will help nurture the future of our people:”

Ma te remu o te huia ka ora ai te katoa

Waipapa 9 Trust was awarded the prestigious 2010 Ahuwhenua Trophy – Bank of New Zealand Maori Excellence in Farming competition for its outstanding dairying operation. His Excellency The Hon Sir Anand Satyanand (GNZM, QSO), presented the Chairman of Waipapa, Dawson Haa with the trophy before an enthusiastic audience at the Gala Awards Ceremony held in Taupo, Friday 28th May 2010.

The Farm Management Team, Dawson Haa, Steve Bignell, Bob Cottrell and Tony Rotarangi believed the Trust was ready to enter the competition and was overjoyed when Waipapa was announced one of three finalists for Dairy 2010. The competition consisted of opening up their dairy farming operation to an intense judging panel, which also involved hosting a Field day for the public to view their social/community/Nga Tikanga Maori, Management and Performance including financial, productivity farm/stock, employment, environment, sustainability and entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Ahuwhenua competition, which has both historic and contemporary prestige, dates back to 1932 when it was first established by Sir Apirana Ngata. It was relaunched in 2003 to take account of the changing face of Maori farming and the increasing importance of Maori incorporations and trusts in the sector. Each year it alternates between beef and sheep farms and dairy farms. This is the third dairy competition.

It is a huge achievement and well deserved honour for Waipapa 9 Trust to be recognised at the highest level in a competition that has significant respect within the Maori and National Agribusiness sector.