38 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Parekarangi Trust Farm Protecting the whenua for future generations Richard Loader Parekarangi Trust in Rotorua exemplifies how Maori-owned farming can combine commercial success with cultural values, actively nurturing both the whenua and the community. Operating a 665-hectare mixed farming enterprise near Rotorua, the Trust represents around 400 shareholders connected to the Ngati Wahiao tribe. The land, held in perpetuity as Maori freehold, cannot be sold and passes down through succession. “Historically, this land has been a food bowl for our iwi, from growing kumara before European arrival, to producing food through sheep and cattle farming,” explains says Chairman James Warbrick who leads the Trust alongside fellow trustees Wiari Rauhina, Huia Te Hau, and Makuini Warbrick. “We must take a long-term view on how to sustain this while protecting the whenua for future generations.” This philosophy underpins every part of the Trust’s operations, which include a 400-hectare dairy platform currently supporting a herd of 960 Kiwicross cows, producing approximately 370,000 kg of milk solids (kgMS). James says that historically the herd numbered around 1,000 cows, producing 400,000 kgMS annually. “The herd reduction reflects environmental compliance targets, while management focuses on breeding, genetics, and fine-tuning farm systems,” he explains. The operation also includes a drystock programme comprising 60 three-year-old beef steers, 400 younger steers (two-year-olds and yearlings) and 500 ewes and hoggets, which are also used to clean up pastures after the dairy herd. Jason Perry oversees the dairy and drystock enterprises. James says that what sets Parekarangi Trust apart is its commitment to using commercial farming as a vehicle for community wellbeing. For example, the Trust supplies meat packs to shareholder kaumatua aged 60 years and over and supports Whakarewarewa Village during tangihanga. It also established Te Maioha o Parekarangi, a 30-bed youth justice facility operated by Oranga Tamariki. Opened in 2010, it caters to young men aged 13 to 17 years with complex needs. James Warbrick (Trustee Chair), Mark Johnson (Farm Business Manager), Makuini Warbrick (Trustee), John Dawson (Trustee Advisor) and Jason Perry (Farm Manager). Its name translates as ‘a gift to the people of the residence, to benefit them, as an inclusive gift from everyone’, reflecting the kaupapa that underpins the Trust’s wider community-focused philosophy. “We also run programmes on the farm specifically for rangatahi from the Youth Justice Facility, where they can participate in farming activities,” says James. “It’s about giving them opportunities, from harvesting food to kapa haka, that build connection and confidence.” Located within the Rotorua Lakes Catchment, the farm faces significant environmental challenges. “We are constantly refining our dairy management to meet Overseer requirements and ensure compliance with environmental regulations,” says James. In 2016, Parekarangi became a monitor farm for the Forages for Reduced Nitrate Leaching project, working directly with scientists to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses. “We want to be proactive, working with scientists to find solutions rather than waiting for others to decide what farming should look like.” James says that Parekarangi has a rich history deeply intertwined with the Ngati Wahiao Tribe, who for generations relied on the block as a crucial source of sustenance, harvesting food there during All aerial application of solid fertiliser & liquid products Supply and cartage of ag & aerial lime Bulk cartage of all stock feed, fertiliser & aggregate Get In Touch 0224140187 lindsey@cameronaviation.co.nz B I K E F O R C E R OTO R UA M OTO R CYC L E S I S YO U R L O C A L SUZUKI ANDBETADEALERSHIP New and used sales (Quad bikes, Farmbikes, Dirt bikes, Road bikes, Kids bikes, Scooters) parts, accessories and servicing. sales@bikeforce.co.nz www.bikeforce.co.nz 177 Lake Road, Rotorua. (07) 348 9171 32 White Street, PO Box 1176 Rotorua Russell West 027 492 6082 | email of ce@r pumping.nz Ph 07 347 8552 www. rfipumping.co.nz i ll | il i ALL WATER PUMP & FILTRATION SALES & SERVICE • BORE TESTING FARM & INDUSTRIAL PUMPING ROTORUA IN BUSINESS SINCE 1984 the summer months. The introduction of land titles brought major change, shifting the community from collective land ownership to individual family holdings within the block. Families cultivated and sold produce from their designated lands, while still carrying responsibility for those unable to cultivate. Over time, the viability of these smaller family units diminished, as they struggled to sustain themselves and their extended whanau. To ensure long-term sustainability, five families chose to aggregate their lands, forming Parekarangi Trust as an Ahu Whenua Trust. “As farmers, if we use the right tools to care for our land and water, we can secure a future where we not only feed our people but also provide jobs for them,” says James. “That’s a true win–win.”
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