26 Mar 2012

Maori Excellence in Farming finalists named

7:23 am on 26 March 2012

Three finalists have been named in this year's Ahuwhenua Maori Excellence in Farming award.

They are: the Tauhara Moana Trust, which runs a 590-hectare dairy farm near Taupo; the Kapenga M Trust, which milks a large herd south of Rotorua; and the Wharepi Whanau Trust, which operates a 71-hectare dairy farm near Te Puke in Bay of Plenty.

They are competing for the Ahuwhenua Trophy, which is the premier award for Maori farmers.

Among other things judges assess the farms' productivity, sustainability and governance.

The competition alternates between sheep and beef farming and dairying, which is the focus this year.

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland in June.