Kirsten and Donald Watson have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Kirsten and Donald Watson have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
A couple who have transformed their farm into a high-efficiency, technology-driven operation have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing.
Donald and Kirsten Watson, who run MorelandsPastoral, near Helensville, were recognised for delivering strong production alongside environmental and community outcomes.
Nine years after purchasing the property, the Watsons developed the 123ha (112ha effective) grazing platform and 150ha runoff into a highly productive dairy and beef system.
Drawing on their backgrounds as veterinarians, they have applied deep expertise in animal health, genetics and welfare to build a herd that performs efficiently and consistently.
Judges praised the Watsons’ outstanding farming performance and use of innovation, saying they had “exceptional animal health and performance across both the dairy and beef herds”.
They also said that the couple’s technology adoption, use, and analysis were central to driving farm efficiency.
A key feature of the system is the use of virtual fencing technology, which informs grazing rotation and pasture utilisation while reducing labour and supporting animal wellbeing.
This has helped significantly lift pasture harvest and overall productivity.
The Watsons’ commitment to continuous improvement has seen pasture production increase from seven to eight tonnes/ha to around 10.5 tonnes/ha, while also reducing nitrogen use and improving overall environmental performance.
“Adopting regenerative practices has significantly increased pasture grown and harvested,” the judges said.
Environmental stewardship is a central focus of the business.
Investments in effluent management systems, wetland restoration and tidal habitat protection are helping improve water quality and biodiversity, including habitat for the endangered Bittern.
For the Watsons, the farm represents far more than a business; they said it had become a spiritual home for the family.
“It’s where our boys have grown up, developed skills and built a deep connection to the land.”
They said their journey was one of constant learning and growth, and they were always looking for ways to improve and develop both the business and the stewardship of the land.
Auckland Regional Supreme Winners Donald and Kirsten Watson at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Strong community connections are also a defining feature, with the Watsons actively involved in local schools, conservation groups and industry initiatives, regularly hosting field days and sharing knowledge.
The Watsons will join fellow regional winners from across the country in being considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust’s National Showcase in Christchurch in July.
The recipient will become the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.
Other awards for Morelands Pastoral
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award
DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
Other Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Award winners
Luke and Jasmine Franklin - Franklin Farm - Waimauku
Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
FMG Risk Management Award
David and Di Chamberlin - South Ponui – Hauraki Gulf and Cleveland
Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award
Peter John, Michelle, and Jordan Hildreth - PJ & M Hildreth – Helensville
Auckland Council Water Quality Enhancement Award
Phil and Jenny Grainger - Kahurere Ridge - Waitoki
NZFET Innovation Award
NZFET Climate Recognition Award
Catchment group showcase
The awards highlighted the Araparera Community Catchment Society, a group formed in response to the Auckland Anniversary floods and built on the belief that strong communities are key to environmental resilience.
Bringing together more than 300 households, the group combines social connection with science-based action, including eDNA testing, fish surveys and real-time water quality monitoring.
Alongside this, regular community events, workshops and communication initiatives are strengthening local networks and preparedness for future extreme weather.
Their work demonstrates how a connected community can play a vital role in protecting both people and the environment.
