Far North Māori trusts sign horticulture partnership to grow kiwifruit

The Omapere-Rangihamama and Oromahoe Trusts have signed a new MoU aimed to expand into high-value kiwifruit horticulture.

Two of the Far North’s leading Ahuwhenua Trusts formalised a partnership at Ngawha Innovation Park, marking what they say is a new chapter in Māori-led economic and community development.

The agreement between the Omapere-Rangihamama Trust (ORT) and the Oromahoe Trust signalled a commitment to work together across existing farming operations and new horticulture ventures.

ORT general manager Stewart Otene said the MoU formalises a shared intention rather than creating something entirely new.

“In practical terms, it’s about collaboration. By working together, we can share expertise and capacity, achieve economies of scale, exchange knowledge and present a strong, unified advocacy voice.

“Rather than operating in isolation, we are combining our strengths for the collective benefit of our whenua and people.”

Both trusts already operate sheep, beef, dairy and forestry businesses. A joint horticulture development, potentially focused on kiwifruit, has emerged as a natural next step.

Otene said the timing reflected opportunity.

“This partnership allows us to enhance those existing operations while stepping confidently into high-value horticulture in a measured and strategic way.”

“There are longstanding whakapapa connections between the two Trusts, with shared tūpuna and whānau ties to the whenua that go back generations. The MoU simply gives contemporary expression to relationships that have existed from time immemorial.”

The first focus will be a joint horticulture development opportunity, specifically exploring a kiwifruit venture.

“This project represents both economic diversification and a practical step toward creating skilled employment and sustainable returns for our beneficiaries.”

He said success would be measured by a thriving diversification business delivering strong returns alongside our existing operations.

“It will mean meaningful economic contribution to the region, demonstrated leadership, and tangible benefits flowing back to our whānau, hapū and wider communities. Ultimately, success is when our people can see, feel and participate in the prosperity generated from their whenua.”

Wiremu Tane said the collaboration would unlock significant opportunities, such as shared expertise and capacity, economies of scale, knowledge exchange and a unified advocacy voice being examples.

“An opportunity by collaboration in achieving common goals, aspirations and beneficial outcomes. E.g. whanaungatanga and kotahitanga: strengthens inter-hapū relationships, shared legacy-building, and collective wellbeing, having an intergenerational impact: shared visioning can embed prosperity and cultural pride for our present and future tamariki and mokopuna.”

Both trusts have been past winners of awards in farming excellence on a national and regional and Tane said “recognition at government level is one of pride and humility to be identified as leaders of the many other worthy Ahuwhenua Trust in the rohe of Te Tai Tokerau”.

Wiremu Tane, from the Oromahoe Trust, said the partnership was also grounded in longstanding whakapapa connections.