The second Ahuwhenua Trophy Finalist field day for this year was hosted by Tawapata South, Onenui Station on the 10^th of April, 2025. The huge turnout of guests was welcomed with stunning weather and a beautiful pōwhiri to the farm at the tip of the Māhia Peninsula in northern Hawke’s Bay. Our team had the privilege to attend the field day, with Lewis Aperahama, Store Manager of Fruitfed Supplies in Hastings, sharing some words on behalf of PGG Wrightson at the event. 

Following the warm welcome, guests heard presentations and learnt about the long history of the area and its people, since its discovery in the 10^th century by Tamatea-Arikinui, Ruawharo and Tūpai with direct links from their ancestral home of Hawaiki Nui. Tawapata was incorporated in 1967, and ahuwhenua practices have aligned with strategic plans and incorporations of sustainability, whenua manākitanga, and the land in its natural state, te taiao, are all visible to this day, a journey leading to Onenui being a finalist in the 92nd Ahuwhenua Award for sheep and beef. 

On the 92nd Ahuwhenua Trophy Award and Onenui Station Lewis said; 

“Iwatekaumārua nga tau kua tipu nga whakaaro Rangatira, kia whakamana nga mahi Ahuwhenua Maori. 

Iwatekaumārua nga tau kua rarangahia nga whanaungatanga me nga mahi kia tipu te motu ma nga whakaro Manaaki whenua.   

92 years of growing strong ideologies and principles that have shed light on Maori agricultural and horticultural led practices and businesses.  

92 years of weaving knowledge and culture to grow the country. 

He waiata a pa ana ki nga pakitara o te hinengaro, “Kotiro Maori” a, e tu ana au I runga I nga whenua Rangatira a Rongomaiwahine, he orite nga atahutanga a Rongomai ki onawhenua! 

There is a special song about the beauty of Rongomai Wahine that echoes in my mind. Standing on Onenui Station on her lands, I see the resemblance of beauty depicted in songs of Rongomai to her lands.” 

About Tawapata South, Onenui Station 

The Proprietors of Tawapata South, trading as Onenui Station, is a Māori incorporation on Māhia Peninsula, Hawke’s Bay. It spans 3,476 hectares, including 1,700 hectares of farmland and 836 hectares under a Ngā Whenua Rāhui Kawenata. 

As mentioned above, under the Māori Affairs Act 1953, Tawapata South was incorporated in 1967. Today, it is governed by the Committee of Management: Lester White (Chair), Philip Te Hau (Vice Chair), Murray MacGregor, Natalie Paewai, and Corban Paewai. They balance strategic oversight with a sustainable approach while upholding tikanga, kawa, and mātauranga. All aspirations for Tawapata South are guided by the four POU: Tangata, Tikanga, Taiao, and Tahua, and ensure the wellbeing of the lands, waters, and people. 

15,000 stock units are wintered at Onenui Station, including 6,000 breeding ewes and 600 breeding cows. It has 350 hectares of productive flats and steep hill country. Their major development project in 2016 reclaimed 1,046 hectares of scrubland, with erosion-prone areas managed through fencing and native planting. 

Another aspect of the operation that is particularly unique is their diversification strategy to lease some land to house Rocket Lab, the world’s first private orbital launch range. Tawapata South shared, “This relationship aligns with our strategy to diversify income opportunities while maintaining the integrity of our whenua. Rocket Lab’s presence has brought investment into the region, creating local employment opportunities and fostering innovation.” 

Tawapata South is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships within the local community, including sponsorships supporting education and development, and a partnership with Kahungunu Marae. Alongside community commitments, they have an extensive environmental plan protecting waterways, coastal dunes, and erosion-prone gullies, preserving whenua while ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its people. 

Read more about the Tawapata South, Onenui Station field day on the Ahuwhenua Trophy Award website here.

Photos by Alphapix.nz.