Business Central July 2021

64 | HORTICULTURE Ngai Tukairangi Trust Trust builds kiwifruit momentum over time Ngai Tukairangi Trust trustees visiting Heretaunga Orchard early June. T from page 62 “In the early 90’s the kiwifruit industry suf- fered through poor management and untidi- ness, this led to a lot of cowboy techniques in the kiwifruit market,” Ratahi says. “Many Maori growers decided to leave the industry and were allowed to withdraw with- out debt by the then Minister Winston Peters and the CEO of the Iwi Transitional Agency Wira Gardiner. “The Government would not allow us to pull out because we would have had to repay significant sums. “It was a very distressing time and we had to hunt around for an institution that would support us financially so we could make our debt repayments.” And he says what was also tough was see- ing the reaction of his mother to the fact that, in order to progress, some of their land had to change into general title. “It was a very scary time for our people.” The then National Bank, took a punt on Ngai Tukairangi and this commitment was the turning point which created the means to grow and thrive in ensuing decades. “Within three years we were able to clear significant levels of debt and quickly it grew to us creating significant profit margins. We developed a strong strategy in 2016 to gain more land.” In March 2017, the Trust purchased one of New Zealand’s largest kiwifruit orchards in Hastings, further securing its position as a leading kiwifruit producer. When Business Central spoke with Ratahi who was driving to be part of celebrating the screening of a documentary on his 102 year old Aunt, Isey Cross’s extraordinary life, he shared how important it was to him to see the big picture and to value what really matters. “From those awful days our people expe- rienced in the massacre at Te Papa, what we came to realise was most important was that we find a path to enable our whanau, our peo- ple to thrive and we do this in really practical, meaningful ways today.” By this Ratahi is referring to helping their young people, to investment in R & D and staff. “We understand that experiencing adversity can actually breed success and we do this by investing extremely high amounts into education. In order to grow your tomorrow you have to invest in the now. All our young are resourced to gain their drivers’ license and encouraged to pursue higher learning or training to set them on their way.” And what Ratahi is most proud of is that, in his role, leading the Trust, he’s greeted by first name by those working in the orchards. “When I front up at an orchard everyone says ‘hi Ratahi’. That is more respect than saying ‘hi Boss’. Along with it’s core activity, growing kiwi- fruit, Ngai Tukairangi Iwi Trust has invested in Rocket Apples, Blueberries and Avocado growing. In his role, he’s visited every single market his kiwifruit are supplied to. “We’ve made strong relationships all around the world. It’s the shake of the hand that really adds value for us.” Maintaining strong connections with its people remains Ratahi’s primary care and concern. “We find ways to keep connected and engage with our young people.” Ratahi speaks of ‘Manaaki’ and the values this term represents when describing how it approaches engagement with its people and in its business relationships. “If we don’t keep the Manaaki of our found- ers then we are no better than any other main stream business. This is central to us and how we express ourselves in the world.” admin@controltechltd.nz www.controltechltd.nz 07 219 0661 Proud to support Ngai Tukairangi Trust Shop online at www.mossops.co.nz Or via phone on 0800 946 677 Proud to support Ngai Tukairangi Trust Matapihi over the last seven years “If we don’t keep the Manaaki of our founders then we are no better than any other main stream business. This is central to us and how we express ourselves in the world.”