Alan Dobbie
Wiroa Horticulture

This Northland kiwifruit orchard is proof that high production can flourish alongside thriving native wildlife, with careful design resulting in exceptional results in just six years.

Wiroa Horticulture owners Craigmore Sustainables started developing the former dairy farm in 2018. Today, under the guidance of Alan Dobbie and Pieter Traas, the 137ha property boasts 82ha of gold and red kiwifruit.

The transformation included planting 30ha of steep faces, gullies, and streams in native bush, plus protecting 4ha of remnant bush. Native plantings have been interwoven through the centre of the property, creating stunning biodiversity corridors that are supporting native species including Kiwi, Weka, and Bats.

The orchard is delivering bumper crops, with a record 450,000 trays of gold kiwifruit harvested in 2025, alongside their first-ever commercial crop of red kiwifruit.

The judges attributed these results to a combination of outstanding farming practices and a strong investment in staff.

The farming practices are built on innovation and sustainability, including trials that have led to significant operational changes.

As a result of the trials, Alan and Pieter have installed advanced irrigation systems that use soil moisture probes for exceptional water-use efficiency.

They have also shifted to a precise, monthly application of fertiliser to minimise leaching. The judges said this precision approach is a model for the industry, ensuring maximum plant health while safeguarding surrounding waterways.

The increased production is also a testament to a positive team culture and low turnover rate that are the result of Alan and Pieter putting people at the heart of the business. The judges said this proved that people are as critical as caring for the land when it comes to business success.

With native species thriving alongside a highly productive orchard, Wiroa Horticulture demonstrates how well-designed plantings and careful management can support both nature and horticulture.