Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards champion sustainable farming and growing. The Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards were announced at a function on 7 July.
Richard’s great grandfather bought Tunnel Hill in 1936, with future generations running the farm until Richard and Suze took over in 1993.
Sheep, beef, maize and forestry are farmed across 950ha of the property that features large stretches of coastal land. Their investment in forestry and additional native planting means Tunnel Hill is not only beautiful – it’s carbon negative.
Farm management is carefully tailored to match the climate, soil type and topography. There’s a strong focus on tree planting and wetland regeneration, with wildlife corridors created across the farm.
The judges said Tunnell Hill was a successful mix of enterprise and systems thanks to detailed planning and recording. They praised the conservation of historic water channels and tunnels, including tools to help fish migration.
“Long-term knowledge and understanding of the property are leveraged for off-farm business opportunities. This includes the development of an international business.”
The Redmaynes also won the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm, Hill Laboratories Agri-Science and Norwood Agri-Business Management awards.
A Field Day will be held at Tunnel Hill in Spring.
New Zealand Landcare Trust Catchment Group Award
Encouraging farmers to improve water quality and biodiversity has earned the Upper Moawhango River Catchment Group the inaugural New Zealand Landcare Trust Catchment Group Award for the Horizons region.
Established in 2018, the group now encompasses 15 farming properties that are on a combined mission to improve environmental outcomes and build on a strong and vibrant community.
The judges praised the group for gathering three years’ worth of water quality monitoring data, and their high level of buy-in from landowners and the wider community. They were impressed with how the group’s direction is guided by firm goals, and how they actively seek help from external experts.
OTHER HORIZONS BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARD WINNERS 2022
- Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award: George and Ellen Bartlett, Gemel Trust – Stanway Farm
- Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award: Angela Strawbridge, Taonui Land Co
- DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award: George and Ellen Bartlett, Stanway Farm
- Massey University Innovation Award: Dan Steele & Sandy Waters, Blue Duck Station
- WaterForce Wise with Water Award: George and Ellen Bartlett, Stanway Farm
- Margaret Matthews Award: Dan Steele & Sandy Waters, Blue Duck Station
- Horizons Regional Council Award: George and Ellen Bartlett, Stanway Farm
