Vision to create long term prosperity leads to BOP Regional Supreme Award

Charles Russell and Tom Heeney of Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective located in TePuke have been named the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for building a large-scale kiwifruit operation grounded in cultural values, environmental stewardship and strong commercial performance. 

Spanning more than 224 hectares, with over 101 hectares 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 as taonga tuku iho, an intergenerational treasure. 

Judges praised the strength of the collective’s governance and clarity of direction. 

“Clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga, 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.” 

Environmental stewardship is visible across the orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025 alone, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration. The orchards also serve as research sites, hosting trials on native pollinators and supporting biodiversity outcomes. 

Innovation is a key driver of the business. Initiatives include recycling 450km of growing string annually into plastic pallets, as well as the 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 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.” 

For the collective, success is 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,” CEO Charles Russell said.  

Other awards for Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective 

Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
FMG Risk Management Award
Zespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award
 

Other Award Winners 

Bobby & Anna Dean – Kukuwai Farms – Maketu
Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Farming for the Future Award 

Chrissy Weeks and Tony Lumsden – Ratahi Holdings – Matata
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award 

Niamh Mark, Peter Mark & Megan Richards – Te Ranga Pamu Ltd – Te Ranga
Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award 

Simon Stokes
Bruce Fraser Memorial Award 

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

Charles and Tom of Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective will join fellow Regional Supreme 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. 

Catchment Group Showcased 

The awards also showcased He Whāriki mō Paekoau, a catchment group formed in response to Cyclone Gabrielle and led by Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust. Spanning 15 properties from Te Manawa o Tūhoe Forest to the Whakatāne River, the group brings together hapū, whānau, local government and community partners to restore the mauri of PaekoauStream. Blending mātauranga Māori with science, their work includes biodiversity monitoring, wetland restoration and annual community planting days involving kura and local whānau. With a strong intergenerational focus and plans to expand restoration and education initiatives, the group is building a lasting legacy for both the environment and its people. 

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

The team from Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective 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.