“Clarence and Elise demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to their environmental, community, financial and people goals.”
For the Stoltes, people sit at the heart of their success.
“Nothing is more important to our business than people – starting with the people who live and work here with us on this land.
“We feel blessed and find it a privilege to be part of our team.”
A significant investment in a composting barn has reduced pasture pressure, improved soil health and enhanced animal welfare.
Their property also features established wetlands, extensive riparian planting, an on-farm native nursery, careful water race management and protection of the Parkvale Stream – all contributing to measurable environmental gains.
The couple described their approach as one of applied knowledge – constantly learning and refining their system.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in constantly improving productivity and profitability while increasingly focusing on the health and beauty of our natural environment.”
Beyond the farm gate, the Stoltes are recognised for strong community engagement and leadership.
They are actively involved in local catchment groups and schools, and recently raised more than $12,500 for a post-natal charity through a sunflower initiative.
Living beneath the Tararua Range reinforces their long-term thinking.
“We live in a beautiful environment. The view of the Tararuas is stunning every single day, and we are so grateful to be here. It’s a wonderful place to raise kids.”
The Stoltes will now join fellow regional winners from across the country in being considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the NZ 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 Stolte Ag
- Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
- DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
Other Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Award winners
Simon Perry, Meg Wheatsone and Matt Perry – Waiteko – Whareama
- Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
- Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award
- Greater Wellington Regional Council Award
Tony and Pattie O’Boyle – Marangai Station – Mangapakeha Valley
- Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Farm Award
- Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
Shaun and Victoria Draper and Tyler Morrison – Draper Land Co – Martinborough
- Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
- Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
- FMG Risk Management Award
Catchment group showcase
The awards also showcased the Tinui Whareama Catchment Group, which was formally established six years after its initial conception, to build a resilient and thriving catchment community.
Spanning 53,000ha and representing a diverse mix of landowners, the group has taken a data-led approach to tackling sediment and nutrient loss, monitoring 11 sites across the catchment while enhancing fish habitat and soil health through initiatives such as dung beetle introduction.
Following the impacts of Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, the group has demonstrated the power of collective action.
It has progressed wetland restoration, pest control and inanga habitat projects in partnership with local schools and the wider community to strengthen both the landscape and its people.
– New Zealand Farm Environment Trust
