Conversion from Dairy to Kiwifruit takes Northland Regional Supreme Award

Alan Dobbie of Wiroa Horticulture has been named the Northland Regional Supreme Winner at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for transforming a former dairy farm into a highly productive kiwifruit orchard.  

Developed since 2018 by Craigmore Sustainables and led by Alan Dobbie and Pieter Traas, the 137ha property located in Kerikeri now includes 82ha of gold and red kiwifruit, alongside extensive native plantings. More than 30ha of steep land, gullies and waterways have been retired into native bush, with a further 4ha of remnant bush protected, creating biodiversity corridors that support Kiwi, Weka and bats. 

The orchard is delivering outstanding production results, including a record 450,000 trays of gold kiwifruit in 2025, alongside its first commercial crop of red kiwifruit. 

Judges praised the operation as a standout example of modern horticulture. “The team at Wiroa exemplify outstanding horticultural practice. The passion and pride behind every step of this greenfield to a highly productive orchard in just six years is inspiring.” 

They also highlighted the strength of leadership and team culture. “Alan’s genuine respect, appreciation and commitment to professional development for their team define their leadership approach.” 

A strong focus on innovation and precision underpins the orchard’s success. Advanced irrigation systems use soil moisture probes to optimise water use, while fertiliser is applied monthly with precision to minimise leaching and protect waterways. 

Judges noted the wider environmental impact of the business. “Environmental stewardship lifts not only their orchard but also contributes to regional ecological resilience.” 

At the heart of the operation is a clear philosophy around people and purpose. Judges said: “Alan’s comment – ‘we grow people to grow food’ – sits at the heart of this business. Wiroa shows that you can operate at scale without losing touch with the things that make farming special.” 

For Alan, the journey has been about more than production. “What we have built here is very positive not only for the shareholders and Craigmore, but for the whole community – including all the people we employ,” he said. “We want to showcase the legacy we’ve created. Driving past, you can’t always see what’s been achieved.” 

He says continuous improvement remains central to the business. “We must keep moving forward, continually questioning whether we can do things better – and the answer is almost always yes.” 

Other awards for Alan Dobbie 

Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award
Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award

Other award winners:  

Mervyn Evans – Burnage Road Orchards – Pukenui 

Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
NZFET Innovation Award 

Murray Child and Dean Child – MJ & KE Child & Sons – Maungakaramea 

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award 

Luke & Sunny Oud – Oud Agri – Ruawai
DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award 

James & Krista Franklin – Ā Mua Ltd – Dargaville
Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
FMG Risk Management Award 

Catchment Group Showcased 

The awards also showcased Hokianga Harbour Care – Tiaki Nga Wai O Hokianga, a community-led initiative working to restore the health of the Hokianga Harbour by improving the waterways and catchments that flow into it. Since forming in 2017, the group has grown from a small native plant nursery into a large-scale restoration movement, establishing more than 100 sites across 90 properties. Their work includes planting nearly 400,000 native plants, fencing 72km of waterways and delivering restoration across 90ha of land. Through strong community engagement, employment opportunities and ongoing projects such as Taonga Wai Ora, the group is building long-term ecological resilience while strengthening connections across the region. 

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are delivered by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust and celebrates excellence in sustainable farming and growing. 

Alan will join fellow regional winners from across the country to be considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the Trust’s National Showcase in Christchurch in July 2026. The recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy becomes the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.