In mid-April, Onuku Māori Lands Trust hosted judges and more than 300 manuhiri and fellow farmers from across the country at their final field day, as well as judging for the Ahuwhenua Trophy. This trophy is the most prestigious award for Māori agriculture.
One of Onuku’s six blocks, Boundary Road Farm, is up against a Hokitika-based farm, The Proprietors of Mawhera Incorporation. Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee Chairman, Kingi Smiler says, “it is great to see top dairy farms selected as finalists for this prestigious trophy. They are performing very well in some of the most challenging times, especially with the volatile weather conditions which have plagued the farming industry in the past two months.”
Boundary Road Farm comprises a 72ha block near Lake Rotomahana. It manages 220 cows which produce about 90,000 kg of milk solids. The manager of this farm is Onuku’s only Ngāti Rangitihi farmer, Alan Rondon, mokopuna of Bobby Rondon. Born and raised in Matatā, Alan has worked on Arthur Burt’s farm for ten years where he made his way up to management. Alan says the highlight is “working on our own whenua. I’m the only member of my immediate whānau working this closely with our whenua, so they’re enjoying it too.”
The judges’ final decision will be announced at the Ahuwhenua Awards dinner at Wigram Airbase in Christchurch on May 25.