Two men from a Western Bay of Plenty iwi collective will open the gates to one of their orchards to visitors today after winning the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners title at 2026’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Charles Russell and Tom Heeney of Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective, located in Te Puke, were recognised for building a large-scale kiwifruit operation grounded in cultural values, environmental stewardship and strong commercial performance.
Spanning more than 224 hectares, with more than 101ha of productive canopy, Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective is a strategic partnership between Te Arawa Group Holdings, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings and Rotomā No 1 Incorporation.
Established in 2018, the business operates across 14 titles and produces both gold and green kiwifruit.
At the heart of the operation is a clear vision to create long-term prosperity while upholding the mana of the whenua (land) as taonga tuku iho, an intergenerational treasure.
Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards judges praised the strength of the collective’s governance and clarity of direction. “Clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga [custom], with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress.”
They also highlighted the balance achieved across all aspects of the business. “Decision-making consistently balances environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and future-focused enterprise.”
The judges said environmental stewardship was visible across the orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration. The orchards also served as research sites, hosting trials on native pollinators and supporting biodiversity outcomes.
default Environmental stewardship was visible across Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration. Photo / NZFET - Alan Gibson
Innovation initiatives included recycling 450km of growing string annually into plastic pallets, use of drone technology for pest plant management and ongoing investment in emissions reduction through native planting under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Judges recognised the broader leadership shown by the collective. “Thoughtful leadership, uplifting community and honouring the stewardship of both past and future kaitiaki [guardians] of their land.”
“Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective set a powerful example for other landowners ... guided by long-term vision, stewardship and commitment to collective benefit for both people and the land.”
Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective CEO Charles Russell said for the collective, success was defined by more than financial performance. “We are most proud of delivering on our guiding principles – building sustainable growth, safeguarding our assets for future generations and embedding our Māori values into every aspect of our operations.”
As regional supreme winers, today the collective will host registered guests at its Mātai No 5 Orchard in Te Puke from 10am-noon.
The session will explore how productive land use can go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship and community wellbeing with a focus on Manaaki Whenua Kaitiakitanga (biodiversity), Tiaki Whenua (on orchard) and Ora Tangata (social and community). Speakers will include Tim Woodward, Les Anstiss, Tom Heeney, Alex Shortcliffe and Charles Russell.