Trust tries out alternative use for land

Jacob Keremeta (left) and Greg Stebbing planting some of the 460 manuka and kanuka seedlings the Opepe Farm Trust is using for a new land trial. Photo / Supplied

A Taupo-based Maori land trust is hoping a trial use of some of its land will result in a new, environmentally-friendly method of land use.

The Opepe Farm Trust has begun a trial of growing manuka and kanuka trees on its 4500ha sheep and beef farm near Taupo, to explore an alternative use for its land.

It hopes the manuka and kanuka planting will allow it to eventually produce high-quality, high-value manuka and kanuka honey.

Manuka honey is highly sought after for its antiseptic properties and commands a premium market price.

Opepe Farm Trust kaumatua, kuia and trust beneficiaries earlier this month planted 460 manuka and kanuka seedlings on land set aside for the trial, which aims to see which species will grow well on the farm, what the most effective planting method is, to determine when beehives can be brought in.

The farm already has 30 to 40 beehives, and if the trial is successful, the trust and its partners, Tamau and HoneyLab, will embark on larger-scale planting.

Because of the rules around nitrogen and land use in the Lake Taupo catchment, Opepe Farm Trust has to allocate a certain area of land for alternative uses and is keen to explore different options.

Besides farming, the trust has been involved in pine tree production and hopes the manuka/kanuka trial, if successful, will produce more job opportunities and another source of income.