Te Puke growers Charles Russell and Tom Heeney, of the Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective, have taken out the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme title at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Judges praised their large-scale kiwifruit operation for combining deep cultural values with environmental leadership and standout commercial success.

Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the Ballance Farm Environment Awards celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing.

That approach is core to Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective, which spans more than 224 hectares – including over 101 hectares of productive canopy – and is a strategic partnership between Te Arawa Group Holdings, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings and Rotomā No 1 Incorporation.

Established in 2018, the business operates across 14 titles and produces both gold and green kiwifruit.

At the heart of the operation is a clear vision to create long-term prosperity while upholding the mana of the whenua as taonga tuku iho, an intergenerational treasure.

Judges praised the strength of the collective’s governance and clarity of direction, saying they “clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga, with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress”.

They also highlighted the balance achieved across all aspects of the business, commenting that decision-making consistently integrated environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and future-focused enterprise.

Environmental stewardship is visible across the orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025 alone, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration.

The orchards also serve as research sites, hosting trials on native pollinators and supporting biodiversity outcomes.

Innovation is a key driver of the business.

Initiatives include recycling 450km of growing string annually into plastic pallets, as well as the use of drone technology for pest plant management and ongoing investment in emissions reduction through native planting under the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Judges recognised the collective’s broader leadership, describing it as thoughtful, uplifting for the community and one that “honoured the stewardship of both past and future kaitiaki of their land”.

“Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective set a powerful example for other landowners … guided by long-term vision, stewardship and commitment to collective benefit for both people and the land.”

Russell, who is the collective’s chief executive, said its success was defined by more than financial performance.

“We are most proud of delivering on our guiding principles – building sustainable growth, safeguarding our assets for future generations and embedding our Māori values into every aspect of our operations,” he said.

Russell and Heeney will join fellow regional winners from across the country in being considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the New Zealand 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 Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
• Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
• Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
• FMG Risk Management Award
• Zespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award

Other Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Award winners

Bobby and Anna Dean – Kukuwai Farms - Maketū

• Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
• DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
• Bay of Plenty Farming for the Future Award

Chrissy Weeks and Tony Lumsden – Ratahi Holdings - Matatā

• Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award

Niamh Mark, Peter Mark and Megan Richards – Te Ranga Pamu Ltd – Te Ranga

• Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
• Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award

Simon Stokes

• Bruce Fraser Memorial Award

Catchment group showcase

The awards also highlighted He Whāriki mō Paekoau, a catchment group formed in response to Cyclone Gabrielle and led by Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust.

Spanning 15 properties from Te Manawa o Tūhoe Forest to the Whakatāne River, the group brings together hapū, whānau, local government and community partners to restore the mauri of Paekoau Stream.

Blending mātauranga Māori with science, their work includes biodiversity monitoring, wetland restoration and annual community planting days involving kura and local whānau.

With a strong intergenerational focus and plans to expand restoration and education initiatives, the group is building a lasting legacy for both the environment and its people.

– NZ Farm Environment Trust