MIL Board Chair, John O’Brien described the field day as fantastic and says the good turnout was quite unexpected given all the rain that fell in the days prior. He says he loves attending the field days and awards dinner, and that it’s one of the highlights of his ministerial portfolio.

But later visitors were taken by bus to the orchards where, thanks to a break in the weather, they were able to tour the site and hear from Orchard Manager Helen Scott and Property Manager, Rex Anderson.Īmong the guests at the field day was the Minister for Māori Development, Hon Willie Jackson who told guests that the Ahuwhenua Trophy awards is something to be really proud of. These were held in the wharanui, O Ruataupare, as the heavy rain in recent days had caused some flooding in the orchard. Guests were welcomed onto Kokohinau Marae where they heard presentations from members of the MIL Board and staff about the operation. The field days are an integral part of the competition as they allow members of the public to come and hear about an entity and how it has made it through to the finals of this prestigious competition.

MIL – Whiritoa Orchards is one of three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori horticulture. Media Release: Great Ahuwhenua Trophy field day Despite the weather, a crowd of over 200 attended the field day yesterday of Māori Investments Limited (MIL) – Whiritoa Orchards, based at Te Teko in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Hold Still by Lisa Regan