| 3 “We want to make sure we’re leading the way - on the farm, in our processing environment, with our fleet, our energy consumption, water consumption and how we treat our people and our community.” Karl Gradon T T to page 4 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Miraka: New Zealand International Business Awards 2023 T T Kim Newth Kaitiakitanga drives bold approach New Zealand’s first Māori-owned dairy company, Miraka, has much to celebrate this year, as they continue to grow their global reputation as a leading sustainable dairy processor. Miraka has been a leader in dairy from day one, since launching in 2010 as the first dairy processor in the world to use renewable geothermal energy. Their plant at Mokai - 30km north-west of Taupo and employing 150 people - has one of the world’s lowest manufacturing carbon emissions footprints. A highlight for Miraka last year was being named as a finalist for Excellence in Sustainability at the New Zealand International Business Awards. Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon says it was fantastic to achieve this acknowledgement of Miraka’s commitment to sustainability, from both an economic and environmental perspective, reflecting the company’s deeply held kaitiakitanga values. “We are a relatively small operator but you don’t have to be the biggest in the world to prove that you can sustainably dairy. “We want to make sure we’re leading the way - on the farm, in our processing environment, with our fleet, our energy consumption, water consumption and how we treat our people and our community. “Fundamentally, we take a long term view and think in 100-year timeframes so we can leave our assets in a better state for the next generation.” “We’re doing things that are bold and courageous. No one else globally is converting their tanker fleet to hydrogen in the dairy sector, or is running the dryer process – one of the most energy intensive in the food industry – from geothermal other than Miraka and Waiū Dairy in Kawera . “We’re continuing to raise the bar and show leadership, both in New Zealand and globally.” Autumn has been an exciting season for both Miraka and their transport partner CTL, with the company’s first tanker currently being converted to dual fuel in Christchurch. “Our fleet has been running on diesel and now we’re adding hydrogen to reduce our transport emissions. “This is the first time that hydrogen has been introduced to a fleet like this that I’m aware of – it’s world leading.” The hydrogen is being produced by one of Miraka’s shareholders, Tūaropaki Trust, with the green hydrogen plant also powered by local geothermal energy. Miraka is committed to the next 100 years of farming, supporting their 100 farm suppliers with Te Ara Miraka, a world-class farming excellence programme. Rather than penalising farmers for failures, the emphasis is on rewarding improvement. “We were the first to develop a programme that incentivises farmers by benefiting them in the pocket for doing the right thing on the farm from treating their staff well to making sure they have the right plans and the right environmental standards in place.” One of Miraka’s shareholders and biggest suppliers – Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani Incorporation – has recently been named as a finalist for the 2024 Ahuwhenua Trophy that celebrates excellence in Māori farming. “They are hugely passionate about farming excellence. We are very proud of them and wish them well on the night.” Miraka Milk Assurance Manager, Tyla Johnson, supports farmers to produce the best milk quality. Do you need help with your HEALTH & SAFETY? • Ensure you understand the key responsibilities under the current Health & Safety legislation • Provide support and systems to ensure you achieve a safe and compliant workplace Our goal at RuralSafe Ltd is to: 517 Palmer Mill Road, Taupo, Waikato 3384 New Zealand 0800 577 233 contact@ruralsafe.co.nz
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