Media release
For immediate release
Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata: productive land, prosperous people

Cautious optimism and innovation is paying off for shareholders of Atihau Whanganui Incorporation says Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.

“Atihau Whanganui’s vision statement - Toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata: productive land, prosperous people – is being enacted before the eyes of their shareholders,” says Dr Sharples.

In spite of challenging and abnormal climatic seasons in the Waimarino and Ruapehu regions – not to mention the global economic climate - Atihau Whanganui directors produced a strong financial report to shareholders last year.
This includes assets worth close to $200 million and a net surplus topping $6 million last year.

Dr Sharples is visiting Atihau Whanganui tomorrow [Wednesday 18 April] to find out more about how the incorporation is managing its diverse portfolio – that covers dairy, beef and forestry enterprises – across 41,700 hectares of lands – roughly the size of Lake Taupō.

“The Incorporation is pioneering the use of stand-alone, sustainable power units to service remote stations. The first was launched last year at Papahaua station and uses sun, water and wind power generation.”

On the ground Atihau Whanganui’s AWHI Dairy farm businesses take their kaitiakitanga role seriously and have begun a three year journey with Horizons Regional Council to put in place a range of environmental initiatives that will reduce water contamination and enhance biodiversity.

Dr Sharples says the Incorporation is investing in its community by supporting a range of initiatives including local school projects, the Raetihi Ripper tournament, Morikaunui’s Centenary celebration, dog trials and training, the local rodeo, the local A and P Show and the Waimarino Shearing competition.

“Innovative partnerships with the private sector – such as the joint Atihau-Ravensdown university scholarship for agriculture and horticulture students - tops off the creative ways this business is working to achieve its goal: toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata, productive land, prosperous people.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media