East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards Regional Supreme Winners Announced

Jamie and Nicky Gaddum of Matangi Station have tonight been named the East Coast Regional Supreme Winner at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for building a fully integrated, future-focused farming business that places the consumer at the centre of its strategy.

Judges described Matangi Station as “a future-focused business encompassing a collaborative approach to open up and grow the high-end beef and lamb market in New Zealand, with a quality product that is a great advertisement for New Zealand primary producers.”

The judging panel praised the business as a fully integrated operation - from showcase farm through to shop front - with marketing that tells a compelling sustainable farming story. They highlighted the excellent combination of farm and people resource management, alongside a well-considered business plan with strong capacity for growth.

In 2016 Matangi Prime Meat was founded with the goal of producing the best grass-fed Angus beef in New Zealand for New Zealanders. Beginning with elite eating-quality genetics, the business has refined on-farm systems to ensure consistent growth rates and premium marbling. Today, the operation runs 260 breeding cows across Matangi and Atua, calving in autumn and spring providing up to 10 months of beef supply annually.

Carcasses are independently graded before dry ageing, and the business operates its own Hastings based butchery and showroom. Following the significant disruption caused by Cyclone Gabrielle - including the loss of product and temporary production delays - Matangi rebuilt, reopening a new butchery and German-technology dry ageing facility in 2024.

Alongside beef, the business has launched chicory-finished lamb, applying the same measured, eating-quality focus to sheep genetics and management.

Environmental initiatives include ongoing riparian planting, fencing of waterways and soil management systems designed to support long-term resilience.

Other Awards for Jamie and Nicky Gaddum - Matangi Station - Tukituki

• Norwood Farming Efficiency Award

• Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award

• East Coast Regional Council Farming for the Future Award

• AFFCO Innovation Award

Other East Coast BFEA Winners:

Wayne and Nicky Breeze - Hauiti Farm - Poukawa

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award

• Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award

Rob and Coral Buddo, Marie Taylor - Plant Hawke’s Bay - Waiohiki

• Hill Labs Agri-Science Award

• Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award

• FMG Risk Management Award

Tim and Lucy Mouat - Springvale Station - Tikokino

• MFE Biodiversity Award

• WaterForce Safe Water Recognition Award

Catchment Showcased

The awards also showcased the Pōrangahau Catchment Group – Taurekaitai ki Te Paerahi, formed in 2020 following grassroots discussions among Southern Hawke’s Bay landowners. Covering 88,000ha - with active membership across 46,000ha - the group blends science with Te Ao Māori principles to restore the mauri of their waterways and landscapes. Backed by government funding, the collective has established more than 200,000 native plants and 21,000 poplars, fenced significant freshwater habitat and actively managed erosion and pest control. Their resilience following Cyclone Gabrielle demonstrates the strength of coordinated community-led environmental action.

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

The Gaddums 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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