The three finalists this year were selected from a number of entrants from around the country.
Representing Te Tumu Paeroa, judge Aaron Hunt said despite all the challenges that the rural sector has faced in the past year, it was great to see three worthy young Māori farmers come forward as finalists.
He said all of them have demonstrated leadership qualities and that they are committed to working in the sheep and beef sector.
“Māori are naturally close to the whenua and it is logical that many young Māori are choosing career paths in this sector,” Mr Hunt said.
“Despite all the headwinds, globally and locally, the sheep and beef industry remains a great career option offering an appealing outdoor lifestyle. Technology and innovation is taking the sector to new levels. The opportunities in this and other areas of the primary sector are limitless.”
“Since the award was inaugurated it has brought some outstanding farmers to the fore. They are exemplars for all young people in Aotearoa.
“Every year, past winners surface as finalists and winners of other primary sector awards, and the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer alumni is fast becoming a powerful network showcasing Māori farming and achievement.”
Puhirere Tau, aged 24, lived in the Far North until his late teens and then moved to the East Coast where he met his “better half”, Lee-Jay Love. He still calls the East Coast home.
He thought he would follow in his grandfather and father's footsteps and become a builder, but after a few years he realised that wasn't for him.
Mr Tau then took a job working for his father-in-law as a general hand, who at the time was managing Pakarae Station at Whangara Farms.
This job opened his eyes to a whole new career that he had no idea existed, he said.
He worked for three and half years on Pakarae Station, which is predominantly a steep country property with big paddocks and mixed-age stock class.
He started as a general hand then progressed to a shepherd's role, before moving on to Rototahi and Puatai where they farm a completely different system.
This year Mr Tau is looking at doing the Primary ITO Level 5 Production Management qualification, after recently completing ITO Level 4.
“I feel fortunate to work for a very progressive Māori farming corporation such as Whangara Farms. They have been very supportive of my participation in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer award,” he said.
Mr Tau described himself as a simple man who loves farming and playing for the local rugby club.
This year's finalists will be at some of the Ahuwhenua field days, which will give them the opportunity to widen their networks and for others in the agri sector to meet some of the future leaders of Māori agribusiness.
The winner will be announced at an awards dinner in Taradale on October 21.
