A new date has been set for the inaugural Ahuwhenua Trophy competition for Horticulture and the Young Maori Grower Award.

Covid-19 postponed the final judging round and field days with finalists in the competition scheduled for March and April – now judging is resuming this month so the awards dinner can take place on Friday, November 20, at Rotorua Energy Events Centre.

And of the finalists, Ngāi Tukairangi Trust will still hold a field day on Thursday, October 8 from 9.30am at Hungahungatoroa Marae, Matapihi, Tauranga. All are welcome to attend this public field day.

The competition’s three finalists are Te Kaha 15B, Hineora Orchard, a Maori freehold land block in the Eastern Bay of Plenty township of Te Kaha; Otama Marere located at Paengaroa who grow a mixture of Green, SunGold and organic kiwifruit as well as avocados; and Ngāi Tukairangi Trust, which is very large kiwifruit operation with one of its orchards, based at Matapihi, just a few kilometres from the centre of Tauranga city.

And while the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee appreciate that in these uncertain times there is a risk that things may change at the last minute, they will continue to plan with confidence that they will be able to host the event.

Check for updates at: www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz