23 December 2004
Maori Farmer of the Year promotes excellence
Meat & Wool New Zealand’s annual Maori Farmer of the Year competition is underway for 2005.
The competition was re-launched in 2002 to highlight excellence in Maori farming business to Maori and the wider farmer
community.
Heitia Hiha, a trustee of Te Awahuhonu Forest Trust, winners of last years’ Maori Farmer of the Year Eastern regional
title, says the competition is important for building up confidence, pride and excellence amongst the Maori farming
community.
“The competition was a great learning experience for us, we learnt a lot about our business, where we were at, and the
goals we needed to achieve. We’ve implemented a lot of what we learned from the competition and made some improvements
around the farm.”
Mr Hiha encourages Maori farmers to enter the competition as it’s a unique experience and is a chance to showcase Maori
farming talent.
“We believe that success breeds success and the competition re-enforced that for our business. When we entered the
competition we were already proud of our achievements and when we won the regional title, we wanted to motivate and
encourage others in our community to reach the same level.”
“Te Awahuhonu Forest Trust is proud of our effort in the competition and we are prouder still to be a showcase of
successful Maori farming for other farming organisations and trusts,” Mr Hiha said.
Entries for this year’s competition close on 28th January 2005. Entry forms are available on the website –
www.meatandwoolnz.com or from Phyllis Rankin at Meat & Wool New Zealand ph 0800 647 000.
Meat & Wool New Zealand is a major sponsor of the event, along with Bank of New Zealand, AgResearch and Te Puni Kokori. (gold
sponsors).
Williams & Kettle, Merial, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Blue Wing Honda (silver sponsors)
The AFFCO group, AgriQuality, Landcorp and PPCS-Richmond (bronze sponsors).
ENDS