Country Life: ‘Looking for an edge’ on a Māori
The Pukepoto Farm Trust in New Zealand is sharing its successful business model with other farmers through a national agricultural program. By focusing on careful planning, benchmarking, and community support, the trust has maintained profitability for its shareholders since 1978.
Why it matters
It demonstrates how indigenous-led land trusts can successfully balance commercial agricultural productivity with community-focused social outcomes.
Pukepoto Farm Trust trustee Weo Maag (left) and chairwoman Aloma Shearer. Photo / RNZ, Gianina Schwanecke
In the past 16 years, the Pukepoto Farm Trust near Taumarunui has always made a profit for its more than 1000 Ngāti Maniapoto shareholders.
It’s something the trust prides itself on, as it allows it to give back to the community.
“We can’t do a lot on 1000 effective hectares, but we can certainly do a little bit,” trustee Weo Maag told RNZ’s Country Life .
Now it’s sharing the secrets to its success with other neighbouring farmers as part of Beef and Lamb’s Hub Farm Programme.
Meaning “little hill”, Pukepoto was established by the Māori Land Court in 1978.
Maag inherited his shares from whakapapa on his mother’s side.
“I’ve always maintained that the land should provide to our people.”
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