The February 19 event, the first at Parliament for the awards, will highlight the contribution Maori farmers make to the economy, Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee chairman Kingi Smiler said.
The annual competition alternates between dairy and sheep and beef farmers, with dairy the focus this year. Maori farmers produce 10% of NZ’s milk.
The three finalists, chosen from Maori trusts, incorporations and individual farmers, will stage field days on their farms as part of the judging.
They will be held in March so people can see the farms in action before the cows are dried off in the late autumn.
The committee will also promote the Young Maori Dairy Farmer of the Year award.
“We have some great emerging talent coming through the industry and this competition is a great way of encouraging our young people to make a career in farming,” Smiler said.
The winners will be named at a function in Tauranga on June 13.
The competition was inaugurated 81 years ago by Sir Apirana Ngata and Governor General Lord Bledisloe to encourage Maori to improve their farming operations.
