PGG Wrightson is proud to support the Ahuwhenua Trophy – Excellence in Māori Horticulture Award and the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award, with entries now open for the 2026 competition.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy is the most prestigious award in agriculture and horticulture in Aotearoa. First held in 1933, it was established by Sir Apirana Ngata and Governor-General Lord Bledisloe to encourage Māori farmers and growers to strive for excellence and innovation in their operations.

The Young Māori Grower Award recognises emerging leaders under 30 who are making their mark in the horticulture sector. 

Dr Charlotte Severne, Māori Trustee at Te Tumu Paeroa, announced the opening of entries at the Horticulture New Zealand conference in Wellington. She highlighted the growing contribution of Māori to the horticulture sector, including producing around 10% of Aotearoa’s kiwifruit exports and developing niche markets overseas such as Hawaii.

Nukuhia Hadfield, Chair of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee, says the competition offers more than recognition. 
“The judging process of the senior Ahuwhenua Trophy competition gives entrants excellent insights into their businesses operations and as someone who has been through this process, I can assure you it has helped us to make positive adjustments on our farm. It has also provided invaluable networking opportunities,” she says.

She also encourages growers to support young people in entering the Young Māori Grower Award, acknowledging that in just over a decade it has been responsible for the emergence of an incredible alumni of young Māori leaders

Winners will be announced at the awards dinner in Whangārei on 5 June 2026.

Learn more about the awards and how to enter by heading to the Ahuwhenua Trophy website here.  

Photo credit: Alphapix Photography