Gisborne’s Pakarae Whangara B5 Partnership seizes prized Ahuwhenua trophy

3 August 2009

The Whangara Blocks made history in June winning the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy for Maori Excellence in Farming.

A grand gala night held at the Gisborne Showgrounds and Events Centre saw the three finalists Hereheretau Station, Morikau Station and Pakarae/Whangara B5 Partnership deliver their final presentation to 650 enthusiastic supporters. Tension ran high as the Minister of Maori Affairs Hon Pita Sharples and platinum sponsor BNZ opened the envelope and prepared to announce the winner... the rest is history.

This wonderful journey would not have been possible if it were not for you, the shareholders, approving the partnership concept four years ago. Your board and secretary are proud to be entrusted with your confidence and applaud the work of all partnership members.

As guardians of this land, we guard it ferociously - it is our taonga tuku iho. Our overriding aim is to ensure its sustainability, its availability to mokopuna for generations to come and its development for the betterment of all shareholders.

Richard Scholefield and his team Steve McHardy, Chris Ovenden, Marty Paenga, John Love , Rob Love senior, Rob Love junior, Reg Kahaki, Wayne Ferris, Ainsley Manuel and Tomson Whanarere, worked tirelessly in preparation for the Ahuwhenua judging days. As a result of their hard work, this little slice of heaven is firmly placed on the farming map - thank you. Also to their families, a huge thank you, your contribution is just as important to the team.

The judges made comment on the partnership and I would like to share just a few of those that we should all be proud of:

  • The board has a clear vision, exceptional spread of skills and are continually updating their knowledge and governance skills. The appointment of two independent directors is highly commended and shows exceptional leadership and vision adding tremendous value to the partnership through knowledge and succession planning.
  • Good communications with owners via governance representation, six-monthly newsletters, an annual field day and the development of a website.
  • Owners approve both the strategic and business plan annually.
  • Very strong performance across governance, financial and overall on-farm performance, complemented by the strong commitment to staff and improving the future environmental performance of the property.
  • Many initiatives are visionary and judges look forward to seeing what these will deliver not only for the partnership but also NZ sheep and beef farming.

The Gisborne Herald produced a wonderful feature on the partnership and its success in July. Copies are available from The Gisborne Herald office.

View photos from the awards night here