Maori Farmer of the Year promotes excellence

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

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