Three young Māori sheep and beef farmers have been announced as finalists in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer (AYMF) Awards.
Coby Warmington (Te Māhurehure, Ngāpuhi), Grace Watson (Whakatōhea), and Puhirere Tau (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) have been recognised as role models for upcoming young farmers.
Lead judge Sam Vivian-Greer, of Te Tumu Paeroa – the principal sponsor of the award, said the three finalists had built strong networks and have mentored other young Māori.
He said it was great to see another group of leaders emerge, especially with the growth of the sector, and the award has seen a constant stream of talented young farmers.
“Māori agribusiness is growing exponentially and it needs people with the skills, experience and leadership qualities to take it forward. This competition has done just that and we are seeing young Māori who have been winners and finalists take on leadership roles in the primary sector.”
The three farmers will attend the Ahuwhenua Trophy field days hosted by farms up for the award, to observe, learn, and meet other Māori farmers and horticulturalists. This year’s field days will be held at Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust in Whangaruru, Northland, and The Proprietors of Tawapata South, Onenui Station, at the tip of the Mahia Peninsula.
In the lead up to the awards ceremony in June, they will participate in a three-day study tour where they will be judged on the values of manaakitanga (looking after others), whanaungatanga (interacting with others) and mana motuhake (being authentic).
The winner will be announced on June 6.
The Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award was inaugurated in 2012. The award runs in three-year cycles, recognising young Māori farmers and agriculturists in sheep and beef, horticulture, and dairy industries. This year’s award is for sheep and beef.
The three Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer finalists
Coby Warmington is a farm manager at bull beef finishing farm Waima Topu Beef in Waima, Northland.
His passion for farming originated from a love of outdoors, animals and feeding people. He has a strong background in the agricultural sector having started out on a chain gang in the meat works before working in fencing and mustering jobs. He eventually landed a shepherding role in Oromahoe near Paihia before moving back home to Waima in 2021.
Since returning, the 29-year-old has been actively involved in the community, including coaching rugby, supporting local kura, working on his marae and helping with the upkeep of the urupā (cemetery).
Being close to whānau, being a positive role model and caring for the whenua is what he finds rewarding about farming back home.
Grace Watson works for Verry Farming as a shepherd general at Puketitiri Station near Te Kuiti.
She grew up in the small community of Rerewhakaaitu located at the foot of Mt Tarawera in Bay of Plenty. Having trained and represented New Zealand in rowing outside of high school, the 24-year-old eventually turned to sheep and beef farming in the East Coast.
She is currently studying towards a future managerial role with the goal of owning her own farm alongside her partner.
For now she’s excited to take up the opportunity to represent whānau, iwi, farm and supporters in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award.
Puhirere Tau is head shepherd at Puatai Station, a bull finishing block on the East Coast, 40km north of Gisborne.
Hailing from the Far North, the 27-year-old has spent the past seven years on the coast – where he also has strong whakapapa links to – working in large scale farming operations, and advancing in skill, knowledge and career prospects.
He’s studying with a goal towards completing a degree in Agricultural Commerce and mastering every aspect of farming.
He was a previous AYMF finalist in 2022.