B+LNZ encourages Māori sheep and beef farmers to consider entering the prestigious 2025 Ahuwhenua Māori Trophy competition for sheep and beef farming. B+LNZ is a sponsor of the competition to celebrate excellence in Māori farming.
B+LNZ is a proud sponsor of this competition which seeks to recognise and celebrate excellence in Māori sheep and beef farming.
Entries are open and close on 13 December 2024.
Charles Taituha, B+LNZ’s Pouhere Rautaki Ahuwhenua Māori (Māori Agribusiness Strategy Lead) encourages Māori farmers, trusts, and entities across Aotearoa to participate.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your mahi and gain valuable feedback from industry professionals. The Ahuwhenua Awards is a fantastic celebration of the contributions of Māori to New Zealand’s agriculture sector.”
“We’re committed to partner with farms to support their journey to being an award-winning farming business. So even if you don’t make it through to being a finalist, there’s a lot of value in applying and capturing your achievements.”
“Get in touch with the B+LNZ Māori Agribusiness team who can provide support for your application.”
Charles also encourages young farmers to consider putting themselves forward for the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer or Grower Award.
2015 winner and now Chair, Nukuhia Hadfield shares her experience
Nukuhia Hadfield, Ahuwhenua Trophy Chairwoman, B+LNZ Farmer Councillor and farmer says, "It is a real privilege to hold the role of Chair for the Ahuwhenua Trophy Competition and to be able to support entrants in the same way we were when we entered.
“Having gone through our own Ahuwhenua journey from being an entrant, named as a finalist and then being the eventual winner, I know firsthand the positive effect Ahuwhenua has had on our farming business.
“I am humbled to be part of such a worthy kaupapa and dedicated team that supports Māori excellence in agriculture and horticulture.
“The Ahuwhenua Trophy is as relevant now as it was when it was first held in 1933. Rather than the goal of increasing proficiency in farming from those early days, we now have farms that are performing in the top echelon of Aotearoa. Having overcome many obstacles to be able to reach such achievements is something that we need to acknowledge and celebrate. It also gives inspiration and guidance to other whanau who are working hard to get the very best from their whenua. It allows us to show how we have adapted, learnt and implemented practices that have benefits for whanau hapu iwi and Aotearoa.
“The importance of this kaupapa is that we provide the platform and support for our Māori farmers and growers to be able to share their farming/ growing journey to Te Ao Māori and the wider Aotearoa community. It allows us all to learn about the fantastic and innovative things that are happening on the whenua and to come together to celebrate the growth and excellence that our entrants demonstrate.
“Being named as the winners of the Sheep and Beef Competition in 2015 is definitely a highlight, was nerve wracking at times, but an experience I will forever be grateful for.
“Having whanau entering and becoming finalists and also a winner is another highlight. To be honest every time I have the privilege to step onto someone’s whenua and learn what and how they are doing things is always a highlight,” she says.
Nukuhia Hadfield, Ahuwhenua Trophy Chairwoman
Learn more about the Ahuwhenua Awards and enter
The Ahuwhenua Trophy competition, which began in 1933, remains a prestigious symbol of Māori achievement in the agricultural sector.
More information about entering the competition, judging criteria, and key dates can be found on the Ahuwhenua Trophy website here.