2006 Waikato BFEA Winners

Moerangi Station scoops awards in Waikato

Moerangi Station has won the Supreme Award for the Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards of 2006. This large block of land lies in the Kuratau River Valley, between Turangi, Taumarunui and the National Park, and isowned by the Puketapu 3A Incorporation, a Maori trust.

The task of combining profitable farming with effective long-term stewardship of the land is overseen by managers Barry and Celia Pope, and the trust management board led by Jim Hoko. And it’s a job the award judges agree is being exceptionally well done, especially given the constraints of climate, soil quality, care of the Lake Taupo catchment and multiple ownership.

Moerangi Station is a many-faceted operation, running sheep, beef, deer and goats. Wintered stock numbers last year were 13,609 sheep, 1184 cattle, 1888 deer and 452 (meat) goats. The judges praised the mix of stock on the farm and the way classes of stock were managed to suit the seasons, area and climate.

A small hydroelectric plant on the farm supplies power to four properties, with any surplus being fed into the national grid. The 1727ha non-effective area on the station comprises four types of blocks – conservation, bush, hunting safari (leased out) and bush/scrub. The farming activity is focused only on the land on the property that is easy rolling to flat contour.
Moerangi Station also won the PGG Wrightson Habitat Improvement Award, the PPCS Livestock Farm Award, the Rabobank Land and Life Award and the Ballance Nutrient Management Award.

Other winners were:

Livestock Improvement Best Dairy Farm Award
Martin and Judith Bennett, Putaruru

Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
Paul and Mieke de Groot, Monavale Blueberries

Environment Waikato Water Protection Award
Chris and Louise Kay, Tumutumu Farm

Gallagher Innovation Award
Chris and Louise Kay, Tumutumu Farm