More than 200 people turned out last week to a field day hosted by Otama Marere Trust – one of three finalists vying to be the top Māori horticulture entity in the 2026 Ahuwhenua Trophy competition.

“It was fortunate weather made for a great turnout and the positive feedback from people was welcomed especially about the wetland area,” Otama Marere advisory trustee Diane Berghan said.

“People were able to see that we are not just about growing kiwifruit but also about how we restore the land and what we give back to the land.

“The day was also about acknowledging the owners of Otama Marere and the support they give the trustees, and the decisions they are making now for future generations.”

Otama Marere Trust manages 45 hectares of Māori freehold land at Paengaroa and takes its name from the pā site once occupied by Rangiiwaho and his whānau. Established as an Ahu Whenua Trust in 1979, the land was leased for a 60-year term to Te Puke Golf Club before orchard development began in the 1980s under Sir Peter Tapsell’s leadership.

Today’s operations include more than 21 hectares of kiwifruit, avocados, native plantings, and 6.3 hectares of protected wetlands.

The trust diversifies through commercial property investment and Māori partnerships.

Guests heard presentations about the trust’s history, operations and aspirations before being taken on a brief tour of the orchard to see some of the developments taking place.

Ahuwhenua Trophy chair Nukuhia Hadfield praised Otama Marere Trust for running an enjoyable field day.

“Otama Marere has worked hard in establishing a diversity of crops on orchard with an improving productivity trajectory, and they have taken a leading role in growing SunGold G3 – as one of the first Māori owned orchards to grow this crop.

“They first entered kiwifruit production in the early 1980s, accepting the challenge of developing a new horticultural venture that has since grown into one of the region’s most successful operations.

“This gave attendees a picture of what they have achieved by hard work and determination over many years,” Mr Hadfield said.

While severe weather forced the cancellation of the first field day at Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective in Te Puke, the competition remains unaffected as judging had already been completed the day before.

The third and final field day will be held at the Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust property at Kerikeri in Northland on April 23.

The overall winner will be announced at the awards dinner on Friday 5 June in Whangārei.