ICEHOUSE alumni wins Ahuwhenua Trophy

11 June 2013

ICEHOUSE alumni wins Ahuwhenua Trophy

Te Awahohonu Forest Trust – Tarawera Station has won the 2013 Ahuwhenua Trophy, the BNZ Māāori Excellence in Farming Award. Te Awahohonu Trustee, Bob Cottrell, attended The ICEHOUSE Māāori Business Growth workshop last year.

ICEHOUSE Head of Māāori Development, Shay Wright, congratulates Bob Cottrell and Te Awahohonu Trust on their success.

“Bob and his team represent excellent practice in Māāori farming and business. It is exciting to see Māāori businesses doing so well and being recognised by awards such as the Ahuwhenua Trophy. What a proud moment for the Trust’s staff, board, trustees and shareholders.”

Shay Wright says there is an opportunity for Māāori Trusts to reflect on their practice and look to examples like Te Awahohonu Trust.

“Te Awahohonu Trust is a great example of how a Māāori Trust can take proactive steps towards running a better and successful business. The Tarawera Station is their oldest asset – an oldie but a goodie! We’re committed to working with Māāori Trusts like Te Awahohonu that are looking to become beacons of success for their people. It’s gratifying to walk the journey with Trusts that are living up to this commitment,” he says.

Another finalist for the 80th Ahuwhenua Trophy was Te Hape B Trust, whose Chairman, Hardie Peni, also attended the ICEHOUSE Māāori Business Growth workshop last year.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy measures sustainable Māāori business success, and finalists are now widely regarded as among the best farmers in New Zealand.

Te Awahohonu Trust join Waipapa 9 Trust as ICEHOUSE alumni that have won the BNZ Māāori Excellence in Business Award. Waipapa 9 Trust Chairman, Dawson Haa, attended the ICEHOUSE Agribusiness Programme in 2007 and subsequently won the award in both 2010 and 2011.

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