Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective wins 2026 Ahuwhenua Trophy

Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective has been named the winner of the 2026 Ahuwhenua Trophy - New Zealand's most prestigious award for excellence in Māori horticulture.

Zespri's largest Māori shareholder, Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective has grown its combined asset value beyond $130 million since 2018, embodying kotahitanga as a commercial force.

More than 700 guests from across the primary sector, government, and Māori communities attended the awards dinner in Whangārei last night.

HortNZ also wants to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the other finalists - Otama Marere Trust (Paengaroa), and Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust (Kerikeri).

Congratulations also to the winner of the 2026 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award.

Te Rina Joe (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu), Supervisor/Orchard Hand at Pakuratahi Orchard for Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Ltd at Tangoio, Hawke’s Bay, was recognised for her outstanding achievements and leadership in New Zealand’s horticulture sector.

The Hawke’s Bay supervisor began picking fruit with her whānau as a 15 year old and has since built a career grounded in purpose working for her iwi, on their land, overseeing teams of 40-60 workers across a 55-hectare apple operation.