They are Rotorua’s Onuku Maori Lands’ Trust and the proprietors of Mawhera Incorporation, Hokitika.
Mahuta said looking after the whenua and taiao – the land and the environment – have been a central part of Maori culture for centuries in Aotearoa.
“Those are kaupapa close to my heart, as both Minister of Maori Development and Associate Minister for the Environment.
“So it’s a real pleasure to announce this year’s finalists for an award that acknowledges and celebrates excellence and innovation in Maori farming, in particular in the dairy sector.”
Mahuta said research in 2011 estimated about 80% of whenua Maori is under-used or under-performing.
Ongoing support programmes and pending legislative changes will help improve the situation for Maori.
“I’m keen to see us doing a lot better.”
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said “We are seeing great developments in all productive sectors and a trend for Maori to play an increasingly significant role in producing higher-value food products”.
“The rise and rise of Maori agribusiness is impressive, especially given its unstinting commitment to all aspects of sustainability, particularly the environment and people.”
