Alan Thomson, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) newly appointed Chief Executive, has been engaging with farmers and key stakeholders across the country, including a trip to Te Tairāwhiti and Wairoa where he met with Whenua Māori stakeholders, farmers, landowners and governors.
The jam-packed visit to Te Tairāwhiti and Wairoa gathered influential leaders in the region, including farmers, trustee chairs, B+LNZ Kāhui members, and the region’s Focus Group steering committee - made up of both Māori and Pākehā representatives.
Thomson’s visit included five large-scale farms, each showcasing the diverse scope of farming in Te Tairāwhiti and Wairoa with unique opportunities and challenges. These predominant blocks also play a critical role in supporting smaller farms in the area and are members of the Te Tāirawhiti Whenua Charitable Trust roopu (group).
Thomson says B+LNZ is dedicated to fostering partnerships with Whenua Māori, ensuring a collaborative approach to support B+LNZ’s vision of thriving sheep and beef farmers now and into the future.
“It was a real privilege to connect with key leaders in the region and gain valuable insights into their perspectives. Hearing their views on B+LNZ’s role in the Whenua Māori space and their appreciation for our team’s mahi on the ground was truly humbling.
“What stood out to me was the trustees’ strong commitment to creating sustainable returns for their people, the impressive long-term and best-practice planning horizons they are undertaking, and their unwavering focus on environmental stewardship and building resilience," he says.
The first stop was at Wi Pere Trust, winners of the 2022 Ahuwhenua Trophy in sheep and beef farming and the 2023 Horticulture Trophy. Discussions with Tim Rhodes, the Trust’s General Manager and head judge for the 2025 Sheep and Beef Ahuwhenua Trophy, centred on post-cyclone infrastructure challenges and the Trust’s strategies to support smaller farms within the region.
Next, Thomson visited Onenui Station, coinciding with the live launch of Rocket Lab’s 50th mission. The discussions here highlighted Māori-led farm diversification and innovative off-farm investments such as Rocket Lab.
An evening gathering brought together over 34 leaders, including CEOs, trustees, B+LNZ Kāhui members, Iwi leaders and farm managers of Whenua Māori blocks. The group explored ways to strengthen B+LNZ’s Kāhui operations through a Māori whenua perspective.
The following day Thomson set off to visit Whangara Farm, where many gathered to hear from Whangara Farms Chair and Kāhui member Hayden Swann. Swann shared insights into collective governance under one unified umbrella. Thomson was privileged to witness the transition of leadership as Ingrid Collins, a longstanding Whenua Māori governor of over 50 years, passed the reins to Swann.
Thomson also visited Paroa Station – Tolaga Bay, one of the farms hardest hit by Cyclones Gabrielle and Hale. With millions of dollars in damages and significant challenges such as pine slash cleanup, soil structure rebuilds and pasture renewal, the station has faced immense hardship. Farmers expressed gratitude to B+LNZ for its support in securing government funding and resources to aid recovery.
The final stop was Pourau Station, where a vital bridge was destroyed in the cyclones. Pourau Station and local roading contractors built a new road on their whenua to join the coast back up at the owners’ expense. This new road was the lifeline for farms and the east coast communities, facilitating access for stock trucks, groceries, and other essential needs.
Alan says, “While it’s evident that parts of the region face significant challenges in rebuilding post-cyclones, the resilience, optimism, and forward-thinking approach of the people here is incredibly inspiring.”
Pania King, B+LNZ’s Mātanga Whenua Māori (Māori Whenua Advisor) says, “Farmers and stakeholders in Te Tairāwhiti and Wairoa expressed their appreciation for Thomson’s willingness to connect and listen.”
Pourau Station with the remains of one of the main bridges that got washed out in the cyclones.
Whangara Station performs the haka (Paikea) for Alan including Hayden Swann, Whangara Farms Chair and Kāhui member, Bella Hawkins a Kāhui member and Pania King.
Onenui Station and the Rocket lab in the background.
