Farming for the Future
Drought, poor natural soil fertility and rampant blackberry infestation are now issues of the past for Wairoa's historic Hereheretau Station.
Originally acquired by the Māori Soldiers Trust in 1922 to assist Māori soldiers returning from World War I, the 2,229 hectare property has undergone a transformation with the help of the Māori Trustee team.
In 1998 Māori Trustee commissioned a review of the financial and operational performance of Hereheretau Station. The report recommended a restructure, and a five-year strategic plan with clearly defined goals and objectives was drafted.
Over the next few years Māori Trustee steered the sheep and cattle station in a new direction, investing in fencing, waterways and machinery, and upgrading farm buildings. A pasture regeneration programme and extensive blackberry control programme was also implemented.
Four years ago Hereheretau Station purchased a neighbouring farm providing greater economy of scale and potential for even more growth. Hereheretau Station was a finalist in the Ahuwhenua BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award 2009.
The success of the station has enabled scholarships totalling $221,000 to benefit young Māori from all over the country.