Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) congratulates Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, winners of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy for sheep and beef, and Coby Warmington, who took home the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award.
Held on Friday 6 June in Palmerston North, the Ahuwhenua Trophy ceremony is a major celebration of Māori excellence in agriculture. B+LNZ is proud to be a long-standing sponsor of the prestigious award, which acknowledges innovation, leadership and sustainable land stewardship in Māori farming.
B+LNZ’s team plays an active role in supporting the awards from encouraging and mentoring entries, through to judging and on-the-ground event support.
Chevon Horsford, B+LNZ’s Māori Advisor for Te Taitokerau (Mātanga Whenua Māori Te Tai Tokerau), says the success of the Northland-based trust and young farmer is a moment of pride for the region.
She says, “These awards showcase the best of Māori farming. Seeing Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust and Coby Warmington acknowledged on this national stage highlights the incredible mahi (work) being done in our communities.
“Our Māori agribusinesses in Te Taitoekrau are yet another example of the pay offs when you have resilience, patience and the courage to challenge the status quo.
Chevon connects with the team at local B+LNZ events. She says, “After a long and difficult journey of having the whenua (land) returned, Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust (WNT) took advantage of the opportunity with available resources and with hard dedication, discipline, and the support of their whānau, WNT progressed on their strategic journey to create a profitable and environmentally responsible farm and business. They can be extremely proud.”
“We are also extremely proud of Coby for not only putting himself forward but also showcasing who he is in being Māori and his capability on the whenua (land) in our sector. This has given recognition of the hard mahi (work) and perseverance for what he loves. He has demonstrated what is possible and that our sector is great for Māori. B+LNZ will continue to support Coby with all that he and his team need to keep up the good mahi (work),” she adds.
The next Ahuwhenua Awards for sheep and beef farming will be in 2028. Chevon encourages Māori agribusinesses to consider participating next time around. She says, “It is a unique opportunity to benchmark your business amongst others in our sector, but ultimately expose your business and team to the best of the best cross-sector leaders who make up the judging panels. This is a great way to reassess and refine your farming business. The learnings and whanaungatanga (relationships) are added bonuses.”
“Our team are here to awhi (help) with assistance and preparation for 2028,” she adds.
The Ahuwhenua Trophy, first awarded in 1933, continues to inspire generations of Māori to lead and innovate in the primary sector. B+LNZ is committed to supporting this legacy and celebrating the future of Māori farming.
Learn more about the Ahuwhenua Awards and winners Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust and Coby Warmington on the official Ahuwhenua website.