Government minister Mark Patterson recently got a close up look at horticulture developments by Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa.
The Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister of Agriculture was shown the potential for partnership to help accelerate horticultural work in the region.
Since shifting from traditional sheep and beef farming, Tātau Tātau Horticulture — Haumako — has planted 18ha of apples on Tara Orchard north of Wairoa in collaboration with Ohuia Incorporation.
Having learned many lessons from Tara Orchard, Haumako invested in Whakapau Farm with the vision of Wairoa becoming a thriving horticultural region, Tātau Tātau said.
The shift had fostered local employment, provided invaluable training for rangatahi, and promoted sustainable regional growth.
During the minister’s visit to Whakapau Orchard last week, Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa chairman Leon Symes detailed the importance of the orchard’s next phase of investments.
Symes emphasised to the minister how these developments were necessary for maintaining apple quality and optimising local processing.
“Government partnership is pivotal for Wairoa’s future,” he said. “It will help enable us to further diversify our economy, create valuable local jobs, enhance infrastructure efficiency, support local businesses, and establish Wairoa as a key contributor for the horticultural and food industry across Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.”
Symes said the necessary resource consents had been secured. Engagement with local whānau and hapū had been completed.
“Minister Patterson’s visit allows the Government to see what we’ve invested in and achieved so far, and how critical infrastructure is to the expansion and security of horticulture and food in the district.”
Haumako continues to champion talent development through its horticulture cadet programme.
Recent graduates, including five who have secured management positions within Haumako’s Whakapau and Tara orchards, exemplified the programme’s effectiveness.
Graduate Sirius Tamati-Smith was honoured as the best apple grower at the 2024 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year competition in June.
Tātau Tātau Horticulture general manager Robin Kaa said the Haumako board and kaimahi had put in significant effort to get to where they were, “and we have very ambitious goals for the future”.
“We are confident in our strategic vision and value the support from our partners who have joined us on our journey.”■
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