Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards Regional Supreme Winners Announced

Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for their low-input, pasture-based farming system that enhances biodiversity while maintaining strong productivity.

Situated against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Taranaki, the Hoopers’ 144ha (90ha effective) property has undergone significant transformation since they purchased the family farm in 2003. What was once a traditional sheep and beef unit has evolved into a precision dairy grazing operation underpinned by infrastructure investment, pasture improvement and environmental stewardship.

Judges described the Hoopers as “a great farming couple working and living on the land, while enhancing and protecting the natural resources that surround them.”

They also noted the operation as “a well-managed farming operation working with the high-altitude environment to enhance biodiversity… a great example of a low input farm operation which takes account of the fragile nature of the area, while still maintaining a productive pasture-based system.”

The couple’s tenure has focused heavily on land development and infrastructure. When they began, the property had just four troughs and no races. Today every paddock now has reticulated water. Significant re-grassing and a shift toward organic liquid fertilisers have improved soil health and pasture diversity.

Environmental protection has been central to their approach. The Hoopers have fenced and retired 32ha of wetland forest remnants, creating an important ecological connection to Te Papa-Kura-o Taranaki National Park. They are continuing intergenerational guardianship of Gratiola concinna, a nationally endangered wetland herb, working alongside the Department of Conservation on translocation projects and habitat protection.

Extensive riparian planting, stock exclusion and water monitoring have resulted in excellent water quality outcomes, with regional council testing confirming strong macroinvertebrate index results.

Philip’s innovative, DIY approach has also seen the installation of solar-powered pumps and mobile monitored flow meters that detect leaks instantly. Diversification into glamping and active involvement in local catchment groups further strengthens the resilience of their business.

“We live in a place of natural beauty on the side of our stunning maunga. Enhancing and protecting that environment while building a profitable business is something we’re very proud of,” Lyneyre said.

Other Awards for Philip & Lyneyre Hooper - Hoopman Family Trust - Awatuna

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award

• Norwood Farming Efficiency Award

• Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award

• Taranaki Regional Council Sustainability Award

Other Taranaki Award Winners

Gavin Jordan & Julie Fleming – Kamahi - Inglewood

• Hill Labs Agri-Science Award

• Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award

• Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award

Paul Kuriger - Crystal Rivers Taranaki - Mahoe

• DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award

• Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award

• FMG Risk Management Award

Catchment Showcased

The awards also showcased the Awatuna/Auroa Farming for the Future Catchment Group, which is demonstrating that productive farming and rigorous environmental stewardship are essential partners. Formed in 2020 and now involving around 30 properties covering more than half the catchment, the group takes a practical, data-driven approach - undertaking monthly water testing, eDNA and macroinvertebrate monitoring to better understand ecosystem health. Alongside pest control, soil and water workshops, and partnerships with iwi and schools through programmes like Agri4kids, the collective is building a resilient farming community committed to leaving both land and waterways in better heart for the next generation.

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are delivered by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust and celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing.

Philip and Lyneyre will join fellow regional winners from across the country to be considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the Trust’s National Showcase in Christchurch in July 2026. The recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy becomes the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.

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