Bay Of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards Regional Supreme Winners Announced

Charles Russell and Tom Heeney of Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective located in TePuke have today been named the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for building a large-scale kiwifruit operation grounded in cultural values, environmental stewardship and strong commercial performance.

Spanning more than 224 hectares, with over 101 hectares of productive canopy, Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective is a strategic partnership between Te Arawa Group Holdings, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings, and Rotomā No 1 Incorporation. Established in 2018, the business operates across 14 titles and produces both gold and green kiwifruit.

At the heart of the operation is a clear vision to create long-term prosperity while upholding the mana of the whenua as taonga tuku iho, an intergenerational treasure.

Judges praised the strength of the collective’s governance and clarity of direction.

“Clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga, with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress.”

They also highlighted the balance achieved across all aspects of the business.

“Decision making consistently balances environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and future-focused enterprise.”

Environmental stewardship is visible across the orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025 alone, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration. The orchards also serve as research sites, hosting trials on native pollinators and supporting biodiversity outcomes.

Innovation is a key driver of the business. Initiatives include recycling 450km of growing string annually into plastic pallets, as well as the use of drone technology for pest plant management and ongoing investment in emissions reduction through native planting under the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Judges recognised the broader leadership shown by the collective.

“Thoughtful leadership, uplifting community and honouring the stewardship of both past and future kaitiaki of their land.”

“Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective set a powerful example for other landowners… guided by long-term vision, stewardship and commitment to collective benefit for both people and the land.”

For the collective, success is defined by more than financial performance. “We are most proud of delivering on our guiding principles - building sustainable growth, safeguarding our assets for future generations and embedding our Māori values into every aspect of our operations,” CEO Charles Russell said.

Other awards for Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective

Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award

Hill Labs Agri-Science Award

Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award

FMG Risk Management Award

Zespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award

Other Award Winners

Bobby & Anna Dean – Kukuwai Farms - Maketu

Norwood Farming Efficiency Award

DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award

Bay of Plenty Farming for the Future Award

Chrissy Weeks and Tony Lumsden – Ratahi Holdings - Matata

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award

Niamh Mark, Peter Mark & Megan Richards – Te Ranga Pamu Ltd – Te Ranga

Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award

Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award

Simon Stokes

Bruce Fraser Memorial Award

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

Charles and Tom of Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective will join fellow Regional Supreme 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.

Catchment Group Showcased

The awards also showcased He Whāriki mō Paekoau, a catchment group formed in response to Cyclone Gabrielle and led by Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust. Spanning 15 properties from Te Manawa o Tūhoe Forest to the Whakatāne River, the group brings together hapū, whānau, local government and community partners to restore the mauri of Paekoau Stream. Blending mātauranga Māori with science, their work includes biodiversity monitoring, wetland restoration and annual community planting days involving kura and local whānau. With a strong intergenerational focus and plans to expand restoration and education initiatives, the group is building a lasting legacy for both the environment and its people.

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

The team from Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective 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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