Top Maori Orchard On Show

This time it was the turn of the  Ngati Hine Forestry Trust which runs six kiwifruit orchards near Kerikeri in Northland to show to the public why they are a finalists in this prestigious competition. Their orchards comprise 49 hectares of which 32 hectares are planted in Sungold 3 and are under cover. These are operated under a lease agreement with Seeka (The Trust also holds interests across forestry, kiwifruit, mānuka honey, dairy, carbon crops, and native nurseries)

Guests were welcomed at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri, where they heard presentations from Ngati Hine representatives including Chairperson Pita Tipene and CEO Heidi Mackey. They discussed the Trust's decision to move into high-value horticulture, proving that kiwifruit can be grown successfully outside traditional growing regions. Visitors were later taken on a tour of one of Ngati Hines orchards

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust Chairman Pita Tipene says they we’re incredibly proud to have hosted the Ahuwhenua Trophy field day and to have welcomed so many people onto our orchard.
 
“We hope visitors take away a deeper understanding of how we operate - balancing commercial outcomes with our responsibilities as kaitiaki,” he says.”

Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee Chair Nukuhia Hadfield says the field day was another example of how Māori growers continue to demonstrate innovation and add value to the growing sector. 
"What stands out about Ngāti Hine is their clear strategic vision that honours kaitiakitanga while delivering consistent productivity gains.

The overall winner of the competition will be announced at a function in Whangarei in early June.