Gisborne finalist for Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award

Larissa Wooding-Ngata (Ngāti Porou) from Craigmore Sustainables in Gisborne is one of the three finalists in the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Awards. Photo / alphapix.nz

A Gisborne woman is among the three horticulturalists named as finalists for the 2026 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award.

The finalists are Larissa Wooding-Ngata (Ngāti Porou) from Craigmore Sustainables in Gisborne, Robert John Manuel from Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust in Northland and Te Rina Joe from Pakuratahi Orchard in Hawke’s Bay.

“Looking into the future, I aspire to hopefully one day mange an orchard, with my ultimate goal being having a lifestyle block with my own mini-orchard,” Wooding-Ngata said.

Born and raised in Gisborne, she is foreperson for Craigmore Sustainables, where she has worked since February 2023.

She started as an orchard leading hand and quickly progressed to foreperson.

“My horticulture journey began at 18, broccoli-planting with my best friend, sparking a passion for the industry,” she said.

“After five years moving through planting, harvesting, and supervising in vegetables, I transitioned to a family-owned citrus and persimmon property before settling into apples four years ago.”

Wooding-Ngata oversees two sites – Glenpark in Pātūtahi with 33ha of Envy apples, and Sunpark in Te Karaka comprising 30ha of Rockit, 10ha of A1 and 3.6ha of Joli apples.

“My role covers the day-to-day orchard operations – setting up teams, supervising leading hands, managing inductions, pruning, spraying and liaising with assistant orchard managers.

“During peak seasons like thinning and harvest, I co-ordinate both local and RSE contractors.”

Wooding-Ngata also serves as the health and safety representative for her sites.

Lead judge Sam Vivian-Greer, of Te Tumu Paeroa/Office of the Māori Trustee, said the finalists represented the next generation of leaders in New Zealand’s fastest-growing primary sector.

“The competition has again attracted a group of fine up-and-coming young Māori leaders in the horticulture sector.

“There is an ongoing need to have highly qualified young growers coming through the ranks to take up management and leadership roles.

“This competition is about encouraging and helping rangatahi on their journey to achieve that.”

The finalists will attend field days hosted by senior Ahuwhenua Trophy finalists at Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective in Te Puke, Otama Marere Trust in Paengaroa and Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust in Kerikeri, where they will observe, learn and connect with other Māori farmers and horticulturalists.

In the lead-up to the awards ceremony, they will participate in a three-day study tour, designed to provide a range of insights, inspiration and experiences across the horticulture sector.

The winners of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award and the Ahuwhenua Trophy – Excellence in Māori Horticulture Award will be announced at the awards dinner on Friday, June 5, in Whangārei.