| 55 “If we don’t keep the Manaaki of our founders, then we are no better than any other mainstream business.” T T Karen Phelps People support a precious principle At the heart of Ngāi Tukairangi’s success is its comprehensive approach to staff development. Ngāi Tukairangi Trust From its beginnings on the Matapihi peninsula to becoming one of New Zealand’s largest Māori-owned horticultural enterprises, Ngāi Tukairangi Trust has always put its people first. Today, the trust is setting new standards in the industry with its innovative approach to workforce development and cultural integration. “More than any business activity we are connected with today, supporting our people to grow and flourish is the most precious principle to us,” says trust chairman Ratahi Cross, whose leadership style exemplifies the organisation’s commitment to manaakitanga (hospitality and care) and whanaungatanga (relationships and connections). The trust’s remarkable journey began in the early 1980s, when local families united to protect their ancestral lands from urbanisation. What started as a 35-hectare plot has now expanded to over 200 hectares of orchards across the North Island, producing kiwifruit, apples, and other crops. However, it’s not just the land that has grown – the trust’s workforce has flourished into a thriving community of permanent and seasonal workers. At the heart of Ngāi Tukairangi’s success is its comprehensive approach to staff development. The trust has implemented an innovative training programme that allows seasonal workers to gain qualifications across various orchard operations. “We invest in our seasonal orchard team and find out what their aspirations and ambitions are,” explains Ratahi. “We’re aiming for permanency in employment, with our combined apple and kiwifruit operations spanning almost 11 months of the year.” The trust’s commitment to its workforce extends beyond just job security. Educational grants are offered in areas where they operate orchards, and young people are supported with practical assistance such as driver’s licence training. This holistic approach to staff development reflects the trust’s core values of rangatiratanga (leadership) and kotahitanga (unity). Technology plays a crucial role in the trust’s forward-thinking approach. It has introduced artificial intelligence and satellite technology to monitor individual plants, creating more sustainable farming practices. However, this technological advancement hasn’t come at the expense of personal connections. As Ratahi proudly notes: “When I front up at an orchard, everyone says ‘hi Ratahi’. That is more respect than saying ‘hi Boss’.” The trust’s success in creating a positive work environment is reflected in its ability to maintain a stable workforce of about 20 permanent staff, expanding to 200 during peak seasons. This stability has contributed to record crop yields, particularly in the Hawke’s Bay operations, where it has quadrupled production since acquisition. Community engagement remains a cornerstone of the trust’s operations. It regularly provides fruit to rural schools and community organisations, distributing 18,000 trays of kiwifruit last year alone. This initiative, born during the Covid-19 pandemic, has become a permanent feature of its community support programme. Ngāi Tukairangi Trust continues to expand its horizons while maintaining its cultural values. Plans are underway to develop partnerships with local iwi to increase horticultural footprint and create more opportunities for Māori in the region. “If we don’t keep the Manaaki of our founders, then we are no better than any other mainstream business,” says Ratahi. This dedication to combining commercial success with cultural values and people-centred practices has positioned Ngāi Tukairangi Trust as a leader in New Zealand’s horticultural sector, proving that prosperity and social responsibility can go hand in hand. Trusted Kiwifruit pollination specialists since 1972. Josh027 352 4904 www.mossops.co.nz HORTICULTURE
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