About

Background

1950+

Under the Māori Affairs Act 1953, Pukerewa whenua (Ahu Ponga) was amalgamated under one title, "Pukerewa A Block Trust". In 1957, the Pukerewa development committee was established, and in conjunction with the Department of Māori Affairs, oversaw the development of the whenua expecting to have 2,500 out of a total of 2,700 acres in grass.

1960+

The Department of Lands and Survey (1876-1987) farmed Pukerewa Farm Settlement on behalf of the Department of Māori Affairs for the Māori owners. Pukerewa consisted of established pasture, a "cut over" block and a standing bush block. The native timber had been harvested and sold off from the "cut over" block, but the stumps remained and the ground was rough. At the time, the focus was on consolidating the development already done to establish and operate a conventional sheep and cattle breeding and finishing operation.

1980+

Pukerewa Farm Settlement (formerly run by the Department of Lands and Survey) reverted to the Māori owners and was duly constituted Pukerewa A Trust an "Ahu Whenua Trust" in 1981. Over the years, trustees have served on the trust board to provide governance oversight, employing a farm advisor, farm manager, shepherd 2IC, and shepherd general. The Trust has continued to operate as a sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation in much the same way as it had done under the Lands and Survey department (1876-1987).

2010+

Pukerewa A Trust, trading as Pukerewa Station, has undertaken a number of reviews with the aim of improving and strengthening the strategic and operational performance of the Station. The past eleven years saw major reform and sweeping changes across the business, the achievement of the following milestones marked a turning point for Pukerewa.

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Our Vision

Ko tātou te whenua, ko te whenua ko tātou (We are the land and thus the land is us)

This whakatauaki articulates the aspirations of the whānau and the relationship the whānau have with the land. To that end, we aim to achieve a prosperous, profitable and sustainable farm.

Our Mission

Tūngia te ururua, kia tupu whakaritorito te tupu o te harakeke (Clear the undergrowth so the new shoots of the flax will grow)

To achieve this, we need a team that is cohesive and shares the aspirations and ambitions for Pukerewa. This includes everyone from trustees, management, employees and shareholders. Knowledge, communication and leadership are at the centre of our plan. Everyone needs to be specialists in the roles they are given within the business and needs to feel that they are an integral part of the overall success of Pukerewa.

Our Guiding Principles

Principle of Whakawhanaungatanga (Building healthy relationships based on collaboration and mutual respect)

The notion of weaving 'whānau to whānau' is inclusive of drawing expertise from outside whakapapa whānau, otherwise known as 'kaupapa whānau'. Embracing, supporting, encouraging and accepting of others are some of the attributes to be advanced by Pukerewa in building a sense of whānaungatanga.

Principle of Te Puawaitanga (Promoting the cultural, social & economic wellbeing of Pukerewa)

In essence, this principle focuses on exploring all possible avenues to advance the blossoming of Pukerewa whānau culturally, physically, spiritually, politically, economically, and supporting creative innovations and investing in whānau ora strategies for and on behalf of our whānau, or significantly engaging in whānau succession planning are some measures that should be considered in regards to this particular principle.

Principle of Tino Rangatiratanga (Determine the strategic direction and whānau ora development of Pukerewa)

Tino Rangatiratanga as a principle reinforces our right of self determination in all matters pertaining to our organisational structure, management, whenua and whānau ora development. Honesty and integrity are essential aspects of indigenous Māori leadership promotion for Pukerewa.

Principle of Kaitiakitanga (Protect, care for, watch over and develop all the assets of Pukerewa for the advancement of Pukerewa, shareholders and beneficiaries)

It is expedient that Pukerewa whānau are familiar with best practice as they take on board a role of protecting, caring for, watching over and developing all assets for and on behalf of the Trust. Kaitiakitanga in this context infers an outward expression of long term protection of cultural, physical, spiritual, intellectual and economic assets.

Our Strategic Direction 2018/2021....

The development focus for Pukerewa over the next 3 years will be:

  1. Developing the capability of our people on the farm
  2. Creating simple and effective planning and reporting processes
  3. Ensuring every paddock is stock proof with access to water

We expect that once the above initiatives are nearing completion, Pukerewa will be in a strong position to undertake a formal review of the farm business with the aim of a transformational change that will see the farm performing within the top 20% of local businesses in the most environmentally sustainable manner generating both profits and mana for Pukerewa katoa.

People and Capability

Farm staff are very committed and passionate. The Trust is committed to developing the current team in farm management and leadership. For this reason there will be both a focus and ongoing investment in upskilling the team.

Milestones 2018-2021...

  • Enrol in ITO approved training and study programs (completion Jul 2020)
  • Attend the nearest farm forums and discussion groups annually (Jul, Oct, Jan, Apr)
  • Visit three successful farm businesses annually (Oct, Feb, Jun)

Planning and Reporting

Over the next 12 months the farm management will create clear and simple processes around physical and financial reporting. A clear plan will provide the greater team with a united direction and focus. We will be able to easily monitor our progress and make adjustments to the plan as new information comes to light. This will provide effective communication and accountability between the trustees, management and staff.

Milestones 2018-2021...

  • Create and sign-off our three year strategic plan (Jul, Aug, Sep)
  • Undertake FarmIQ training (Jul, Aug, Sep)
  • Create a 2 year FarmIQ database that will form the key decision making and communication tool within the business
  • Create and trustees sign-off annual financial budget
  • Formal reporting bi-monthly of physical and financial progress
  • Lift gross revenue by 20% on previous year through above initiatives and to fund additional farm maintenance

Fencing and Water Maintenance

Over the next three years a key focus will be to ensure every paddock on the farm is stockproof and watered. This will allow effective grazing management, improve pasture growth and utilisation by an estimated 30%, and keep livestock out of environmentally sensitive and/or wahi tapu areas. Once maintenance of existing infrastructure is adequate, the improved production will be sufficient to fund a transformational shift in farm policy in future years.

Milestones 2018-2021...

  • Confirm 3 year farm development plan and budget (Jul to Sep 18)
  • Meet with Waikato Regional Council to determine pending regulatory fencing requirements (Jul to Dec 18)
  • Upgrade of fencing and water priority area 1 (Jul to Dec 18) - Completed!
  • Upgrade of fencing and water priority area 2 (Jan to Jun 19) - Completed!
  • Upgrade of fencing and water priority area 3 (Jul to Dec 19) - Completed!
  • Upgrade of fencing and water priority area 4 (Jan to Jun 20) - Completed!
  • Upgrade of fencing and water priority area 5 (Jul to Dec 20) - Completed!
  • Upgrade of fencing and water priority area 6 (Jan to Jun 21) - Completed!

Milestones achieved

Milestone 16: (November 2021 - in progress)
Pukerewa website is migrating to the mobile first platform, this will improve access and the viewing experience for users on mobile devices. Maintenance and upgrades are planned for the coming months, please be patient as we work out any teething issues.

Milestone 15: (June 2021)
Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) funding proposal and agreement for Pukerewa whānau ora development project - approved/signedoff

Milestone 14: (2020-2021)
Farm Advisor, Beef Unit Manager and Shepherd General appointments - approved/signedoff

Milestone 13: (November 2020)
Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) funding proposal and agreement for Pukerewa Station development projects - approved/signed off

Milestone 12: (August 2020)
Waikato Regional Council and Ministry of Primary Industries (1BT) Billion Trees funding proposal for Pukerewa native planting programme - approved/signedoff

Milestone 11: (July 2020)
Nga Whenua Rahui funding proposal and agreement to protect the indigenous ecosystems on Pukerewa coastal and wetland areas (7.6kms) - approved/signedoff

Milestone 10: (December 2018)
Waikato Regional Council environmental programme agreement approved for fencing 2.5km of Pukerewa native bush.

Milestone 9: (July 2018)
2018-2021 strategic plan, phase two Pukerewa Station development projects - produced/adopted.

Milestone 8: (September 2018)
Pukerewa environmental protection and enhancement plan - produced/adopted.

Milestone 7: (2016 to current)
Engaged partner and tertiary education organisations to provide farming apprenticeships, agricultural training and mentoring, health & safety and hazards management, biosecurity and other compliance workshops to support the continuing professional development needs of the Trust and its employees.

Milestone 6: (June 2018)
Independent farm review completed - recommendations/findings adopted.

Milestone 5: (2015-2017)
Three year strategic plan, phase one Pukerewa Station development projects - produced/adopted.

Milestone 4: (October 2012)
Pukerewa Website created.

Milestone 3: (March 2012)
Governance, management & operational policies and procedures - produced/adopted.

Milestone 2: (November 2011)
Consultation hui and strategic development wānanga of the Pukerewa owners/beneficiaries held at Tauranganui Marae, Port Waikato. Tangata whenua framework - produced/adopted.

Milestone 1: (June 2010)
Effectiveness audit review completed - recommendations/findings adopted.

  • Summer December
    • Shear lambs
    • Drench lambs
    • Dip lambs, ewes & rams
    • BVD 2nd shot & 7in1 vaccination first year calving heifers
    • Calve marking
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Summer January
    • Shear ewes
    • Drench lambs - +B12
    • Drench ewes - Genesis Ultra
    • Rams put out with the ewes
    • Cull ewes at shearing
    • Lamb pick
    • Spray blackberry
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Summer February
    • Dip ewes
    • Lamb pick
    • Firewood
    • Spray blackberry
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Autumn March
    • Lamb pick
    • Rams out with the ewes
    • Spray Kaikuyu grass
    • Firewood
    • Fertilizer Spread
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Autumn May
    • Scan ewes
    • Drench weaners – 5in1 booster
    • Copper all cattle
    • Lamb pick
    • Vaccinate ewes – 8in1
    • Bionic capsule twin ewes
    • Cypercare ewes for lice
    • Fertiliser spread on lambing paddocks
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Autumn April
    • Wean cows & calves
    • Drench calves - Boss injection, 5in1, B12
    • 7in1 cows and heifers in calve
    • Pregnancy Determination testing
    • Cull MA cows
    • Lamb pick
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Winter June
    • Shear ewes
    • Set stock ewes (lambing)
    • Bull sales
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity check

  • Winter August
    • Dock lambs
    • Firewood
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Winter July
    • Drench cows & heifers – Genesis Ultra
    • Copper cows & heifers
    • Drench weaners – Boss injection
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks

  • Spring September
    • Spray out paddocks for cropping
    • Spread cows & heifers (calving)
    • Spray thistles - helicopter
    • Drench lambs
    • Weaners - Copper & Dectomax
    • R2 steers - Copper & Dectomax
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity review

  • Spring October
    • Plant summer crops
    • BVD 1st shot to first year calving heifers
    • Wean ewes & lambs - depending on feed
    • Drench lambs
    • Lamb pick
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity review

  • Spring November
    • Ram sales
    • Palpate rams
    • Spray thistles
    • Bulls put with cows and heifers
    • Drench lambs
    • Spray thistles
    • Spray blackberry between November & May
    • Water checks
    • General repairs & maintenance
    • Health & safety and biosecurity checks
  • Jack (Huks) Gardiner
    Farm Manager

    Jack, , has embarked on a new chapter in the Waikato region with his partner Amanda and their two young children. He spent his formative years growing up in Tūrangi, on the Tongariro River's west bank, where he completed his secondary education before pursuing tertiary studies in agriculture in South Otago and later, agribusiness management in the Waikato. His early career was marked by unique experiences, including:

    • Guided hunting safaris on the South Island's West Coast and West Arnhem,
      Northern Territory, Australia

    • Shepherding and leading a team of seven shepherds on a large sheep and
      beef station in Central North Island

    Jack started on Pukerewa Station in December 2022 as Shepherd 2IC before accepting the position of Farm Manager in May 2024.

    Jack brings a comprehensive skill set to his new role as Farm Manager:

    • Knowledge of tikanga (Māori customs and traditions)
    • Holistic farm understanding gained from his role as Shepherd 2IC
    • Strong skills in pasture management and best practices
    • Proficient in budgeting and financial planning
    • Demonstrated ability in team leadership and performance management
    • A deep commitment to Aotearoa's agricultural sector
    • Strong professional networks and relationships with industry partners

    Jack's diverse experiences have allowed him to learn from and collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the agricultural industry, shaping him into a well-rounded and capable Farm Manager.

  • Tiniwaaka Anderson
    Shepherd General

    Tini began his professional career in shepherding a decade ago, working on large hill country stations in Aotearoa. He is renowned for his energetic drive and steadfast work ethic. Employers and peers describe him as a humble and easy-going person, with a penchant for working hard, getting the job done with very much a can-do-attitude!

    Tini is a recent addition to our team, he brings a strong knowledge and experiences of stock and pasture management, fencing, machine maintainenance, workplace health & safety, and leadership skills.

    Tini and his partner enjoy the farming lifestyle and getting to know our rural community. An avid hunter and fisherman himself, he values family, friends and enjoys the camaraderie and shared experiences of fellow farmers and likeminded folk.

  • Noah Ngarongo
    Farm Hand
    Noah is pursuing a career in sheep and beef farming while balancing his secondary education. He's opted for home schooling to continue his NCEA studies, integrating them with the Gateway programme to pathway into primary industries. This approach allows him to gain practical experience on the farm, developing essential skills and knowledge in farm basics. Noah's commitment to learning and gaining hands-on experience is setting him on the path to the Growing Future Farmers program, and continued learning through the Primary ITO. His career aspirations are to complete the required training to be a competent and experienced Shepherd.
  • Sam Lynd
    General Contractor

    Sam is an experienced shepherd with a background as a self-employed shearer and fencer. His other accomplishments include working as a successful dog handler. 

    Sam is described by his peers as a hardworking and highly motivated person that enjoys the outdoors and working on the farm with his K9 companions Blackie, Mills and Sky. 

    Sam is married and enjoys a quiet life with family and friends. Is a keen hunter and fisherman!

  • Wilhelm Studer
    Independent Trustee / Management Group

    Wilhelm was appointed an independent trustee by the Maori Land Court in 2013. He is responsible for providing regular feedback to the court and works closely with the trustees and management to achieve the goals and aspirations of Pukerewa.

    Wilhelm also shares operational oversight of the Trust's assets, health & safety and biosecurity compliance.

  • Don Clark
    Trustee / Management Group

    Don has a background of over thirty years in manufacturing, banking, tertiary education, social services, health, governance and corporate management. The past ten years has been dedicated to community development in West Auckland, Franklin District, and outreach services in rural farming communities. Don is responsible for human resources, funding and planning, research, projects, and shares operational oversight of the Trust's policies, audit and risk, health & safety and biosecurity compliance.

  • Tania Clark
    Trustee / Board Treasurer

    Tania began a successful career of over twenty years in communications and logistics, trades and retail management in New Zealand. She has more recently worked for ten years in real estate and properties.

    Tania  is responsible for, and shares oversight of the Trust's assets, this includes healthy homes compliance, health and safety assessment and monitoring the servicing and maintenance of plant, equipment and machinery. She brings to the role her experiences and skills in commercial and retail property management, and the trades.

  • Andrew Foote
    Board Secretary / Accountant

    Andrew is responsible for the Trust's general accounting and taxation requirements. Andrew became a fully qualified Chartered Accountant in 2002 after completing all ICANZ requirements in 2001. In April 2008, Andrew joined Glenn and Terry as a Director in Hunter Withers Ltd, and in 2010 took on the role of Accountant for Pukerewa. In 2015, the Maori Land Court appointed Andrew as the Board Secretary. A rural boy at heart with strong rural connections, Andrew is enjoying being back and mixing it with the local community. He has a keen interest in local business development and providing general accounting and taxation services.

Health & Safety Message...

Pukerewa 'A' Trust is committed to it's obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Section 20 defines the Trust as a Workplace. Sections 36 & 47 outlines the primary duty of care required of the Trust & Others'.

  • We must all do our part to avoid incidents that may cause personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind.
  • Please follow all Health & Safety directions given by staff and /or notices displayed around the farm.
  • Check out the "Health & Safety" gallery.

Biosecurity Message...

Pukerewa 'A' Trust is committed to it's obligations under the Biosecurity Act 1993. Biosecurity measures are in place to protect the farm from the entry and spread of pests and infectious diseases. Implementing biosecurity is the responsibility of every person visiting or working on the farm.

  • Biosecurity restrictions apply to animal movements, including agricultural contractors, machinery and vehicles coming on and going off the farm.
  • If you are working in an area that is a potential biosecurity risk or if you are handling or transporting animals you must use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's). Facilities are available to clean and disinfect your hands, boots, equipment, vehicle, as well as safely dispose of contaminated PPE's.
  • Please follow all biosecurity directions from staff and /or notices displayed around the farm.

Emergency & Evacuation Procedures
  • The first priority in the event of an emergency is for the safety of all people present on the farm
  • Raise the alarm
  • Dial 111 for Fire, Police or Ambulance
  • Tell the operator which emergency service you want
  • Phone: Give the contact number of the device you are calling from
  • Our RAPID No: 572 Pukerewa Rd, Waikaretu, Waikato 2695
  • GPS coordinates (S 37º, 34 '9' S) (E 174º, '31' E)
  • Farm staff are trained and certified First Aiders
  • First Aid kits are located in the Shearers Quarters, 5 Bay Implement Shed, Woolshed, including farm vehicles

Important information for visitors:

  • For everyone's safety and to protect the farm’s biosecurity, all boundary and main gates are kept locked. If you’d like access to the bush or coastal areas, please contact Jack on (021) 0850 2226 in advance. Please note, CCTV cameras operate across the property and are monitored remotely.
  • The yellow wheelie bin in front of the woolshed is our Biosecurity Station. Contractors can scan the QR code on it when they arrive, Visitors can use the book inside to sign in and out.
  • Pukerewa is an active work site, so for everyone’s safety, access to farm buildings and facilities is restricted. The only exception is the toilet in the Shearers Quarters, which visitors are welcome to use.
  • Stick to the designated tracks and keep your speed under 30 km/h. If you’re on a motorbike or light utility vehicle, make sure you’re wearing a helmet.
  • Please respect our whenua - it’s a place to be cared for, not used for racing, drifting, or doing donuts. Let’s keep our whenua safe, clean, and free from drugs and alcohol.
  • Please stay clear of the animals, especially when they’re lambing or calving. They can be really protective of their young and might accidentally hurt someone if they feel threatened.
  • Avoid climbing gates or fences, keep a safe distance from electric fences.
  • Do not litter, take your rubbish with you.
  • Keep closed gates closed and opened gates open.
  • With the exception of farm dogs, pet dogs are not permitted on the farm.
  • Let us know if there is any animal in distress, and/or any potential hazard on the farm.