Bay of Plenty

Onuku Māori Lands Trust is a Māori land trust with more than 5,000 owners and beneficiaries. The Trust is committed to protecting and enhancing its whenua while generating sustainable returns that support current and future generations. 

The LIFT trial is being undertaken on the Trust's drystock farming operation, comprising 870 effective hectares. The farm finishes approximately 15,000 lambs annually and around 800 finishing cattle of various classes, while also grazing approximately 1,200 dairy heifers in support of the wider Onuku dairy operation. 

Farm Story: 

Guided by the principles of kaitiakitanga, Onuku balances commercial success with kaitiakitanga, cultural values, and social outcomes for its owners. 

The success of these operations enables the Trust to provide a range of benefits to its owners, including annual Owner Grants, Kaumātua Grants, and Education Grants. Onuku's commitment to excellence in farming has been recognised nationally, winning the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy for Dairy Farming in 2018 and becoming a finalist in the drystock section of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition in 2022. 

A significant feature of the property is its extensive reserve network, with approximately 742 hectares of native and protected reserve areas. The farm also borders the iconic Lake Rotomahana, creating a unique farming environment where productive agriculture sits alongside important ecological and cultural values.