A tribute to Chris Torrie

Whāngārā Farms has always been more than land and livestock.

Across the ridgelines of Pakarae, through the B5 woolshed, along the shimmering coastline of Puatai, and across the paddocks of Tapuwae Whitiwhiti, the whenua breathes with memory and intent. Every blade of grass holds a story; every hill carries a name. Our work has never been just about farming, it has always been about stewardship, continuity, and trust.

For nearly thirty years, one man has stood quietly within that story, helping to protect and strengthen it: Chris Torrie.

Chris’s journey with Whāngārā Farms began in 1996 when he took up the role of partner responsible for Māori incorporation clients at McCullochs, now BDO Gisborne. From the outset, he understood that to serve this whenua and its people required more than technical expertise. He immersed himself in our world, walked alongside our whānau, listened deeply, and walked alongside us as we explored what we know now, that every number carries a story, every ledger a whakapapa, and every decision must honour those who will inherit the land.

During the transformational years of the late 1990s and early 2000s, as our people began reshaping the future of our whenua, Chris’s steady guidance became a crucial anchor. When the Pakarae/Whāngārā B5 Partnership was formed in 2006 and with Tapuwae Whitiwhiti coming on in 2015, he helped translate aspiration into robust governance, ensuring our direction was grounded equally in cultural integrity and sound commercial practice. His diligence and clarity ensured we were building not only a strong business, but one that reflected our deepest values.

When Whāngārā Farms rose to national prominence, winning the Ahuwhenua Trophy for Excellence in Māori Farming in 2009, Chris’s presence, along with his wonderful team in the MBU, was woven through every part of that achievement. Behind the scenes, through field days, reviews, and countless reports, his calm leadership provided stability and confidence. Always humble, he understood that the real victory lay not in the award itself, but in seeing Māori excellence recognised and celebrated across the country.

From Tongataha Station to Pa Nui in 2020, Chris remained a compass for our governance. He carried the weight of due diligence, navigated complexity with care, and ensured that every step taken strengthened the long-term wellbeing of our farms and our people. Yet his greatest contribution was never solely in the numbers. It was in the people he uplifted. Chris reminded us that the strength of Whāngārā Farms lies in how we support one another as we grow.

Those who have had the pleasure of working with Chris know the stillness and assurance he brings. His leadership is quiet but deeply felt, a calm that steadies the room, a wisdom that eases uncertainty, and a gentle integrity that inspires trust. He has supported boards, guided managers, reassured shareholders, and consistently centred the shared vision that Whāngārā must thrive for its people and future generations.

As Chris retires from his role as Secretary of Whāngārā Farms, we pause to reflect on his extraordinary contribution. For close to three decades, he has been part of every stride forward, shaping our systems, supporting our governance, and helping us bridge whakapapa and modern business practice with dignity and purpose. His legacy lives on in the structures he built, the trust he nurtured, and the relationships he fostered across our organisation.

We are proud to carry his story alongside our whenua, in the rhythm of the stockyards at dawn, in the aspirations of our governance tables, and in the laughter of our whānau at hui.

To Chris, and to the wonderful Tanya who has stood beside him and Whāngārā Farms throughout the years : Whāngārā Farms will always hold you close. Not only for what you have done, but for who you are.

He tangata mātau, he tangata ngākau nui, he tangata pono.
A man of wisdom, heart, and integrity.

Haere rā, with our aroha, gratitude, and deepest respect.
From all of us at Whāngārā Farms.