Māori farming businesses are a major part of New Zealand's sheep and beef sector, managing significant areas of productive farmland and contributing substantially to the red meat industry.
Many Māori farming entities operate under ownership structures and decision-making models that differ from those of privately owned farms. That's why Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has a dedicated Māori Agribusiness team, helping connect Māori farming businesses, trusts and incorporations with the tools, expertise and support they need to achieve their goals.
The team work alongside farmers and landowners across the country, supporting everything from governance and capability building through to farm performance, succession planning and creating opportunities for future generations.
Meet the people behind that work
Charles Taituha
As B+LNZ's Māori Agribusiness General Manager, Charles Taituha has spent more than two decades working alongside whenua Māori entities. A former Farmer Councillor, he is passionate about helping farming businesses become more profitable, productive and resilient while staying connected to the aspirations of their owners and communities.
“I know we’re making a difference when our people can see the potential in their whenua, feel confident in the decisions they’re making, and know they don’t have to do it alone,” he says.
Pania King
Based in Tairāwhiti, B+LNZ Māori Agribusiness Advisor Pania King combines hands-on farming experience with her role supporting Māori landowners. An Ahuwhenua Trophy winner alongside her husband Eugene, she works with whānau, trusts and incorporations to turn aspirations for their whenua into practical action.
"I know we're making a difference when whānau feel empowered to make decisions about their whenua with confidence, when aspirations become action, and when opportunities are created for future generations,” she says.
Chevon Horsford
Born and raised in Te Tai Tokerau, Chevon Horsford works alongside Māori farming whānau and agribusinesses across Northland, Auckland and Waikato. With a background in Māori governance and whenua trusts, she understands the importance of building trusted relationships before providing advice. Chevon's focus is helping landowners explore opportunities, access support and build confidence in the decisions they make for their whenua and farming businesses.
"I know we're making a difference when our people can see the potential in their whenua, feel confidence in the decisions they're making, and know they don't have to do it alone," she says.
Lisa Chase
With a lifetime in farming and strong connections to the central North Island, Lisa Chase works alongside Māori farming businesses across Tūwharetoa, Ruapehu, Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Manawatū. Her focus is helping build capability, confidence and stronger farming businesses for future generations.
"I know we're making a difference when whānau return, people reach out and connect for support, and the momentum continues into stronger farms, stronger returns and greater opportunities for our people," she says.
Rima Hawkes
As Extension Coordinator (Kairuruku Whenua Māori), Rima Hawkes helps bring people, projects and opportunities together. Based in Kirikiriroa, she focuses on connecting Māori landowners with the information, relationships and support needed to move their aspirations forward.
Kayla Koia
Raised on a sheep and beef farm in Tairāwhiti, Kayla Koia works alongside farmers, whānau and communities across the East Coast, supporting Pania King. She is passionate about ensuring people feel supported, connected and equipped to make the most of opportunities on their land.
Get connected
If you want to stay connected with B+LNZ’s Māori Agribusiness work, you can follow the team on Facebook and Instagram.
Learn more
The Māori Agribusiness team is part of B+LNZ's commitment to ensuring all levy payers can access support that reflects their needs and circumstances.
Learn more about this work and recent B+LNZ work in the space here.