Entries have opened for the 2026 Young Māori Grower Award and Ahuwhenua Trophy competition.
Grace Watson, Te Kuiti. Photo: alphapix.nz
The competitions present opportunities for growers to showcase their success and talents, said Nukuhia Hadfield, Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee chair.
“The judging process for the senior Ahuwhenua Trophy competition gives entrants excellent insights into their businesses’ operations,” she said. “As someone who has been through this process, it has helped us to make positive adjustments on our farm. It has also provided invaluable networking opportunities.”
Entries were opened by Te Tumu Paeroa Māori trustee Dr Charlotte Severne (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe), at a recent Horticulture New Zealand conference.
The Ahuwhenua Trophy is awarded for excellence in Māori horticulture and the Young Māori Grower Award celebrates rising stars in horticulture.
The Young Māori Grower Award has encouraged an incredible alumni of young leaders, while supporting an innovative and successful Māori agribusiness sector, Hadfield said.
Earlier this year, Te Kūiti’s Grace Watson reached the finals of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award – an equivalent for agriculture won by Northland’s Coby Warmington.
“It’s a privilege to have been named a finalist,” Grace told The News at the time. “I’m looking forward to the learnings and connections I form through the opportunity.”
The winners of the Young Māori Grower Award and Ahuwhenua Trophy will be announced in Whangārei on June 5.
Ahuwhenua Trophy
