“Their vision for their farm as a productive mosaic could lead to transformational change across the industry.”
Judges described the pair as “a powerhouse couple who combine their broad base of skills and knowledge to develop and achieve their strategic goals”.
They also noted their “winning combination of profitability and environmental outcomes”.
For the Sherlock family, Otorohaea is more than a business – it’s a family legacy.
“We believe we’ve found the sweet spot where good environmental management and good business work together.
“Finding that balance – the sweet spot between production and protection – is what we’re most proud of.”
The judges also acknowledged their strong commitment to the industry and local community, shown in the way they operated their business and contributed beyond the farm gate.
The Sherlocks will 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 recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy then become 2026’s National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing.
Other Awards for Otorohaea Ltd
- Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
- Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
- Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
- Waikato Regional Council Water Protection Award
NZ Farm Environment Trust Innovation Award
Other Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Award winners
Noel and Lorraine Fox – NR & LA Fox
- Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award
- DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
Willy and Keely Muir – Muir Farming Partnership
- Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
- Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
- Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award
- Waikato River Authority Catchment Improvement Award
Luke Campion – Hopehill Farm
FMG Risk Management Award
Catchment group showcase
The awards also celebrated the Wharekawa Catchment Care Group, which is celebrating 20 years of community-led environmental restoration.
Established in 2005, the group has grown into a catchment-wide movement uniting farmers, residents and holiday-home owners to improve water quality and restore the mauri of the Wharekawa Harbour and its waterways.
From wetland restoration and native fish habitat recovery to a 10km predator trapping network and cutting-edge eDNA monitoring, the group demonstrates how collective local action can deliver lasting environmental gains for both biodiversity and livelihoods.
– New Zealand Farm Environment Trust
