HE TAI TIMU, HE TAI PARI NAVIGATING THE WAY THROUGH GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY
KORIKORI E TE IWI! INVIGORATING NEW OPPORTUNITY SHARED WITH HAPŪ
HALF-YEARLY HUI HEARS HOW INNOVATION IS KEY TO THE DELIVERY OF RAUTAKI 2033
RAU WHĀRANGI
PKW AGM Notice & Agenda
9am, 8th November 2025
Owae Marae, 15 North Street, Waitara
Full details on page 35.
Rau Titikura Showcase and Hīkoi Whenua
3pm, 8th November 2025
Owae Marae, 15 North Street, Waitara
Full details on page 35.
Order the Annual Report 2025
Available from 17th October 2025
Full details on page 13
HEI MOU AKE NEI KI TE TINI MOKOPUNA HALF-YEARLY HUI HEARS HOW INNOVATION IS KEY TO THE DELIVERY OF RAUTAKI 2033
HE WHENUA
16 KIA TAU KO TE WHAKAORANGA KI RUNGA I TE WHENUA KI RUNGA I TE TANGATA FORGING DEEPER CONNECTIONS TO PROTECT WĀHI TAPU
18 HE RAUTAKI AHU WHENUA NEW STRATEGY LOOKS TO OPTIMISE THE NATURAL SYSTEM OF FARMING
21 KORIKORI E TE IWI! INVIGORATING NEW OPPORTUNITY SHARED WITH HAPŪ
HE ORANGA
24 KA TIKA Ā MURI KA TIKA Ā MUA PKW TRUST AND PKW FOCUS ON SUPPORTING MANAAKITANGA FOR TE MATATINI O TE KĀHUI MAUNGA
30 RAU TE TAI ĀKINA 50TH ANNIVERSARY PĀNUI
32 HE TAI TIMU, HE TAI PARI NAVIGATING THE WAY THROUGH GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY
34 KO TE MAHI O TE TIKANGA HE PUPURU? NĀ TONGA KARENA
PARININIHI KI WAITŌTARA
Postal PO Box 241
New Plymouth 4340
Physical 35 Leach Street
New Plymouth 4310
Tel +64 (6) 769 9373
Email office@pkw.co.nz
Web pkw.co.nz
WHENUA MAGAZINE
Editor
Aisha Ross
Deputy Editor
Puna Wano-Bryant
Graphic Design tgm creative
CONTRIBUTORS
Polly Catlin-Maybury
Shona Geary
Tonga Karena
Michelle Cruickshank
I-Studios
PKW
Spot X Media
Blake Habib
Te Matatini Enterprises
Raymond Tuuta
HE RAU KARERE EDITORIAL
Aisha Ross - Te Rau Matomato, Chief Executive Officer
Korikori e te iwi tū mai e Kahu taurima i hō iwi Hara pūkai tō motu e tango nei Kāwana Kia kore e toenga tē ngata tō puku e!
It has been some time between issues 46 and 47 of Whenua magazine, which means there is a lot to share with Rau Titikura about what has been happening across our kaupapa and what to keep an eye out for in the next year.
Our half-yearly hui at Waiōturi was an opportunity to provide an update on the performance of our business activities, and the hard mahi being done as we continue to embed our refreshed strategic approach ‘He Papa, He Tupu, He Ora’. From renewable energy partnerships, the desire to optimise land use while working in balance with the taiao, the requirement to maintain strength and expertise in our core dairy operations, and a continued focus on where we can embrace innovation and create growth in new areas were all touched upon, along with a positive financial prediction for year end. Find out more on page 32.
But growth is nothing without rigor, which is why we are establishing Te Rau Matatupu Investment Advisory Committee which will include two independent members to provide oversight and advice on our investment decision-making and management. This accountability requirement for both the Board and Management teams will enable us to build our capability in this area from a leadership perspective.
A review and refresh of both our PKW Farms and Te Rau Manawaora/PKW Trust strategic approaches is invigorating the direction and mahi of the teams to continue the positive outcomes they have been delivering.
Building relationships have always been key to us, both as Taranaki Māori and as a whānau owned business, and I hope you enjoy the articles in this issue about our involvement in Te Matatini and how we are working to connect with lessees to protect wāhi tapu we have never set foot upon.
You will also find in these stories information about our 50th Year Celebrations Rau Te Tai Akina next year. It will be an opportunity to reflect on the legacy we now hold responsibility for, celebrate our successes and connections, and renew our vision of He Tāngata, He Whenua, He Oranga. And no doubt there will be kaimoana and dancing!
Finally, I would like to acknowledge iStudios for their excellent work in bringing our narrative together in Whenua for the past ten plus years, and welcome TGM who are taking up the reins of this important mahi. Our stories make us who we are, and we have so many inspiring ones to tell.
Ngā mihi
HEI MOU AKE NEI KI TE TINI
MOKOPUNA
HALF-YEARLY HUI HEARS HOW INNOVATION IS KEY TO THE DELIVERY OF RAUTAKI 2033
Rau Titikura/Shareholders at the Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation Half Yearly hui at Waiōturi Marae were given insight into the current focus areas of the Rautaki 2033 roadmap implementation, as well as a positive financial year-end performance forecast.
Delivery of the refreshed strategic approach of He Papa, He Tupu, He Ora, which puts emphasis on Place, People, Partnership and Performance with Papatupu at its foundation, has focused on several key areas as it becomes embedded within the organisation.
Renewable energy applications such as solar, wind and bio-energy offer not only innovative alternatives to fossil fuels and possible solutions to climate change, but viable land use options to farming.
“Renewable energy is a huge kaupapa for us, providing significant investment opportunities that will not only deliver consistent returns over time for the incorporation and our Rau Titikura but also economic growth for the entire region,” says Aisha Ross, PKW Te Rau Matomato/ Chief Executive Officer.
“We already have some experience in this space at Waipipi Wind Farm, where renewable energy and grazing are co-existing successfully, and are now looking at a similar arrangement with solar and Project Korikori. Bringing farming and energy generation together creates an environmentally sustainable use for our ancestral lands that brings benefits from stable market demand.”
Around 75GWh could be generated annually by Project Korikori, enough to power 9,000 homes. A potential coinvestment partnership could also deliver opportunities beyond that of financial returns with employment and capability development forming part of the package.
Validation is also in the very early stages for a regional bioenergy facility that could provide heat, CO2 and power generation from multiple organic waste sources, including farm effluent.
Rau Titikura also heard how the successful partnership of two systems is driving a second focus area – horticulture. Project Takahuri Whenua is underway to assess PKW whenua and provide data about potential future land use options. Growing crops such as kūmara or garlic could be the answer to optimising how the whenua is worked
while also reducing emissions, providing a response to climate change challenges, and ensuring environmental sustainability going forward for future generations.
“BY
BRINGING OUR CORE DAIRY OPERATION TOGETHER WITH HORTICULTURE, WE CAN COMBINE BOTH SYSTEMS INTO A COHESIVE AND COMPLIMENTARY FOOD PRODUCTION APPROACH THAT NOT ONLY PROVIDES POSITIVE FINANCIAL OUTCOMES BUT ENVIRONMENTAL ONES TOO”
Aisha Ross - Te Rau Matomato, Chief Executive Officer
Property is one of the four pou within Papatupu, and a pre-feasibility study into the Tapuirau Integrated Development, a multi-use approach to a 20ha site in Bell Block that brings together housing, Hauora and Pakihi Māori, has been completed. PKW is working closely with Puketapu Hapū to progress this kaupapa in the coming months.
Two other initiatives are also underway – a productivity review of the Miraka Hipi operation and an on-going discussion around how to facilitate a smoother rent review methodology after the challenges experienced last year.
“The forecasted gains and development of our Miraka Hipi dairy operation have not transpired, due to challenges in gaining the necessary market traction,” says Aisha. “We are currently looking at the best approach for consolidation in this sector.”
Tātai Koura Port Nicholson Fisheries is also facing challenges in the global marketplace, with Australian rock lobster entering the critical Chinese market once more. This took place at the end of at the end of 2024 after a four-year absence, reducing demand and increasing competition.
However, a strong milk price, despite reduced milk production due to the sustained drought conditions experienced in Taranaki between December and May, and consistent performance across the PKW investment portfolio means a positive financial return was predicted for the 2024/2025 year end.
“The benefits and stability that a thoughtfully diversified investment approach brings us is again demonstrated by the fact that our forecast financial projections should be realised,” says Dion Tuuta, Te Rau Toi Tauira Chair of Te Rau Rengarenga PKW Committee of Management. “A quiet confidence in a turbulent economic climate should
not be under-estimated, and is testament to the diligence and skill of our management team responsible for taking our strategic planning and putting it into action.
“PKW is continuing to build on the foundations laid down for us by our tūpuna, strengthening them still further to ensure that we can deliver for our tūpuna, and strengthening them further to come in the future.”
Te Rau Manawaora/PKW Trust also delivered their halfyearly update at the hui, with financial projections to 30 June 2025 showing a deficit of $159k compensated for by prior years’ surplus.
The strategic refresh was also presented, which comes as a result of the Trust looking ahead across the next five years to ensure their education and cultural initiatives reflect the changing Taranaki Māori landscape.
As is usual, attendees heard from the annual Trust scholar Te Rau Matatau, which this year was Luka Kamana Kerehoma (Ngāruahine, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), about his studies into the use of district and regional policy and regulation to advise the development and use of land that may affect the natural environment and people and the protection of te taiao as a consequence.
An overview of the Trust activities included the success of the partnership with Te Matatini and involvement in Ride for Talei, together with the #Smear Your Mea Trust and Tui Ora. This kaupapa sees cyclists pedalling across the country to promote awareness of the importance of getting regular check-ups so cervical and prostate cancer can be caught early and successfully treated.
“It was a successful hui, which provided an uplifting and positive picture of how PKW is embracing innovation and new approaches to further the diversification of Papatupu in order to deliver on the expectations of Rau Titikura,” says Dion. “While the economic, geo-political, social and environmental climates we operate in remain challenging, and always will, we stand secure and firm as a business. This enables us to look for new opportunities to invigorate our revenue streams in different ways, capitalising on our biggest asset, our whenua.
“OUR
CONNECTION WITH THE LAND, AND ITS CONNECTION WITH US, CONTINUES TO BE AN ESSENTIAL CONSTANT IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. AS KAITIAKI WE WILL CONTINUE TO NURTURE AND CARE FOR OUR WHENUA TO CREATE OUR OWN LEGACY FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME, JUST AS OUR TŪPUNA DID FOR US”
Aisha Ross - Te Rau Matomato, Chief Executive Officer
“The support of our Rau Titikura and whānau in our endeavours is acknowledged and appreciated as we continue to fulfil our purpose to make positive contributions to the prosperity of our people, protect our whenua tūpuna, and build wealth that enriches future generations – hei mou ake nei ki te tini mokopuna.”
HE RAUTAKI MANAWAORA
SEEDING TARANAKI POTENTIAL
PKW TRUST NEW 5 YEAR
STRATEGY 2026-2030
Around 1859 Taranaki tūpuna Hapurona composed a karakia to reinforce a collective commitment of Taranaki Māori to peace and the retention of their whenua.
Now his words, summoning forth the life-giving strength of manawaora, form the overarching framework of a refreshed Rautaki/Strategy for Te Rau Manawaora/ PKW Trust - He Rautaki Manawaora, which will be launched at the AGM in November.
The karakia calls for stamina, shared energy and enhanced strength which wrap around the strategy’s three pou: Hōmai tō manawa nei e Tū! Development; Ko tō manawa ko taku manawa Partnership; and He manawa ki Rawea Leadership.
“This cultural framework works perfectly. Te Rau Manawaora is the beating heart of the Incorporation, the source of life and opportunity that brings life and opportunity,” says Puna Wano-Bryant, Te Rautitikura/ General Manager Shareholder and Taiao Engagement, and Manager of Te Rau Manawaora/PKW Trust.
Te Rau Manawaora receives 10% of the Parininihi ki Waitōtara annual dividend to invest in grants and scholarships. Last year the total invested was $412,000.
The refreshed strategy comes as a result of the Trust looking ahead across the next five years to ensure their education and cultural initiatives reflect the changing Taranaki Māori landscape.
“For example, we learnt from the experience of hosting Te Matatini last year that we need a more targeted approach to marae grants so marae can be future-ready. That could be helping with critical electrical works, plumbing, and fire safety so that marae are healthier and safer to host big groups and for our own people,” says Puna.
“Community grants will focus on practical applications of Taranaki mātauranga Māori, like wānanga that support intergenerational learning and strengthen Taranakitanga.”
Partnerships with iwi, hapū and organisations like Toi Foundation are crucial to being able to support more Taranaki Māori.
“We want to create at least eight whenua-based initiatives with partners. We hope to work with hapū to come up with initiatives that co-create sustainable futures such as renewable energy and kai sovereignty,” Puna says.
Liana Poutu, Te Rau Manawaora Te Rau Toi Tauira/ Chairperson, says the new strategy will continue to build on the Trust’s 43-year history of achievements.
Te Ūpoko o te Whenua Marae, AGM 2024
“We are adjusting our activities and initiatives so they are fit for purpose. For example, this will be the first year one of our iwi will lead our Taranaki Kurataiao instead of the Trust. We’ve carved out the pathway for others to come through. Our role now is to tautoko.
“We have strong scholarship applications every year but the areas of study have grown and changed. When Waitangi Tribunal hearings and Treaty settlements were a focus, studying law and accounting became a focus area for ākonga. Now we have dedicated Te Reo Rangatira scholarships to counter the need for some people to give up jobs or mortgage their homes to study te reo outside of Taranaki.”
A key difference with the new five-year strategy is the inclusion of measurements, both quantitative and qualitative.
“As a starter we’re looking at what might be realistic targets for the number of people and marae we could support. The next step, assessing impact, will be harder to nail. We’ll analyse data and conduct an annual evaluation with grantees and ākonga,” Liana says.
Puna says the Trust punches well above its weight. As one of the oldest Taranaki whānui funders, before iwi PSGEs were established, it is well known for its legacy.
“There’s a real familiarity our people have with us, and us with them. Under the He Manawa ki Rawea Leadership pou we have a longstanding aspiration to bring Te Rau Mataora, our alumni, together. This initiative was in our last strategy, but couldn’t be achieved because of Covid, so nowwe plan to reignite it.”
Many of the past and present Te Rau Rengarenga/ Committee of Management and trustees like Liana are Te Rau Mataora. The Rautaki includes establishing the alumni network, sharing success stories to inspire future Taranaki leaders, and launching a mentoring programme.
“We’re grateful for the foresight of our tūpuna who, 43 years ago, made a deliberate decision to contribute an annual dividend to sustain the Trust.
“AND I’M SUPER PROUD OF THE PKW INCORPORATION AND TE RAU MANAWAORA FOR CONTINUALLY FINDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT TARANAKI URI”
Liana Poutu - Te Rau Toi Tauira, Chair of Te Rau Manawaora
He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki
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TE RAU RENGARENGA O PARININIHI KI WAITŌTARA COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT ELECTIONS 2025
Te Rau Rengarenga o Parininihi ki Waitōtara / Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation Committee of Management are elected by rautitikura / shareholders and are responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Incorporation. They are also responsible for monitoring performance against the strategy.
The annual notice calling for nominations to the PKW Committee of Management were published in the newspaper and social media and emailed to shareholders.
When nominations closed at 5:00pm on Friday 29th August, 2025, we had two nominations for the three-year term vacancy.
Voting papers with candidate profiles and voting information will be sent to shareholders by Electionnz. com Ltd, the Independent Returning Officer.
Postal and online voting closes at 5:00pm on Friday 7th November, 2025.
In person voting closes at the AGM at 10:00am on Saturday 8th November, 2025.
Proxy forms are included in the AGM information booklet, distributed with Whenua magazine (issue 47), and must be lodged at the PKW Office, 35 Leach Street, New Plymouth, no later than 10:00am on Wednesday 5th November, 2025.
THE FOLLOWING PAGES CONTAIN THE PROFILES FOR EACH CANDIDATE AND ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
A REMINDER THAT SHAREHOLDERS WHO WOULD LIKE A HARD COPY OF TE RAU AROHA / ANNUAL REPORT MUST NOW ORDER A COPY BY CONTACTING PKW.
To order your copy please contact us: Email: reception@pkw.co.nz Phone: 06 769 9373
Freephone: 0800 759 462 Website: pkw.co.nz
PŌTITANGA O TE TAU CANDIDATE PROFILE
Kei aku rangatira, kei aku whanaunga, tēnā koutou katoa.
Ko Will Edwards tōku ingoa. I proudly stand for election to the Committee of Management of Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation. I whakapapa to Ngāruahine, Taranaki, Tāngahoe, Te Pakakohi and Ngāti Ruanui, and live on our whānau papakāinga near Hāwera.
I have attended most PKW AGMs for the past 25 years and remember those no longer with us who are represented by today’s shareholders. PKW’s successes can be strengthened through strong skills and a heart for our people.
I bring strength in governance, economic development, dairy farming, business and community development, education and public health. I hold a PhD in public health. I’m a co-director of Taumata Associates and have served on boards including Tui Ora, and chaired Te Korowai o Ngāruahine and the Ageing Well National Science Challenge. I chair Tangahoe Tribal Trust and Pūhoro STEMM Academy, and support other Taranaki kaupapa.
WILL EDWARDS
NOMINATED
BY:
TAARINGAROA NICHOLAS
I am the Head of Māori Partnerships for Ara Ake - a New Plymouth-based national organisation that grows renewable energy through innovation and commercialisation. I have excellent networks and technical knowledge in this field.
Having previously served on PKW’s Committee of Management, I understand the responsibilities and opportunities. I’m committed to ensuring PKW is a thriving intergenerational Māori business. I believe in strategic, transparent governance reflecting the aspirations of shareholders.
If elected, I’ll advocate for our whenua, our people, our values and excellent business practices supporting whānau wellbeing, rangatahi leadership, and cultural revitalisation. PKW has a unique opportunity to lead in areas such as whenua-based innovation, economic development and climate resilience. I will work to ensure our Incorporation remains future-focused, values-driven, and accountable to our people.
I’m passionate about protecting and growing our assets for future generations. I seek your support to continue contributing to the future of PKW.
PŌTITANGA O TE TAU CANDIDATE PROFILE
Tēnā koutou kãtoa, ka mihi ake tēnei uri o Taranaki mounga kia koutou. Ki Taranaki ki te tonga, ko Ngāruahine te iwi, Ngāti Tū te hapū. Ki te raki, ko Te Atiawa te iwi, Ngāti Tāwhirikura, Ngāti Rāhiri me Ngāti Te Whiti ngā hapū. He mokopuna āhau o te whānau Rei me te whānau Kipa, ko Hinewaito (Josie) Bigham tōku whaene, ko Geoff Bigham tōku matua. Nō reira, tēnā ānō koutou.
I was born and raised in South Taranaki, where PKW holds most of its corpus lands. My feet are set solidly on the whenua, my heart is firmly focussed on the mahi and my voice speaks up in decision-making spaces which rely on insight, foresight and courage. I’m not afraid to ask challenging questions or to change my opinions when provided with robust evidence. I fully support the diversification of PKW’s businesses, aligning with practices that increasingly centre the taiao, sustainability and enabling our own people to reconnect with our whenua.
BONITA BIGHAM
NOMINATED BY: MATARIA REI
A former PKW Charles Bailey scholar, I have completed two Masters degrees in Fine Arts and Māori Visual Arts, and am currently completing a PhD which focusses on indigenous rights. I recently returned home from a yearlong Fulbright scholarship in Hawai’i.
I have nearly 30 years governance experience, including school boards, marae, hapū and iwi governance, mahi toi organisations and five Ministerial appointments. I have served as a trustee on Dairy Trust Taranaki, completed an Agri-Women’s Development Trust programme and am also an accredited RMA commissioner. I am currently Taranaki Regional Council’s Māori ward councillor, and have served local government in various local, regional and national positions for the past 15 years.
I offer critical thinking, strong networks, good governance practices and a proven, unwavering commitment to our whānau whānui.
Mouri ora.
KIA TAU KO TE
WHAKAORANGA KI
RUNGA I TE WHENUA KI
RUNGA I TE TANGATA FORGING DEEPER CONNECTIONS TO PROTECT WĀHI TAPU
An opportunity to connect directly with individual leaseholders of West Coast Settlement Reserve whenua could lead to the protection of many wāhi tapu on whenua tūpuna around Taranaki Maunga.
“We want to to progress our wāhi tapu kaupapa by developing deeper relationships with individuals leasing our whenua. The mahi involves taking leaseholders on a journey of understanding, facilitating relationships between them and hapū, and supporting the development of site-specific management plans that will protect wāhi tapu on whenua tūpuna for future generations,”says Richard Buttimore, PKW Te Rau Whakahono Pito/General Manager Property.
This collaboration to protect wāhi tapu on West Coast Settlement Reserve whenua is part of an agreement PKW reached recently with the West Coast Settlement Reserves Lessees’ Association (Inc).
Te Rau Whakaihoiho/Kaitiaki Taiao Manager Josephine Sullivan is part of the PKW Taiao team devoted to protecting wāhi tapu and reconnecting hapū to their whenua.
“WHENUA IS THE CONNECTION TO OUR TŪPUNA AND THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FUTURE. IN MOST CASES, HAPŪ HAVE BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM LEASEHOLD LAND FOR GENERATIONS. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESTORE THAT CONNECTION AND, BY NURTURING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HAPŪ, LANDOWNERS, AND LESSEES, ENSURE IT ISN’T SEVERED AGAIN”
Josephine Sullivan - Te Rau Whakaihoiho, Kaitiaki Taiao Manager
“Just as important as the individual wāhi tapu are the stories that flow from them. Physically reconnecting with the land allows hapū to also reconnect with those rich narratives, strengthening their sense of identity and belonging.”
PKW has been working to protect wāhi tapu sites across its actively managed whenua since 2019. Once sites have been identified and categorised, the Incorporation, as the landowner and manager, supports hapū to reconnect with the whenua and collaborate on its management moving forward.
In this mahi, PKW is acting as a facilitator, supporting hapū and individual leaseholders to work together to develop and implement long-term protection plans
“We have the opportunity to talk to leaseholders and take a positive step forward together. Understanding begins with conversation. We explain the significance of the hapū–whenua connection and show how, in most cases, protection can be achieved with minimal impact on land use,” explains Josephine.
Managed by the same team overseeing wāhi tapu protection across more than 4,500 hectares of PKWactively managed whenua, both programmes are being rolled out concurrently as resourcing allows.
Josephine explains wāhi tapu protection plans are as varied as the sites themselves. In many cases, it can involve easy, practical changes like adding fencing or signage. There are also more complex sites, but the approach remains the same regardless: engage with hapū (and in the case of this new opportunity, leaseholder too) and move forward together.
“We’re working with multiple wāhi tapu sites at any given time. There is no one size fits all approach nor is it a process that can be rushed. Engaging with leaseholders adds a new layer of complexity to wāhi tapu protection but early responses have been positive,” she adds.
“Protecting wāhi tapu and supporting hapū to reconnect with their whenua is always an incredible honour. Knowing that there are hapū who are one step closer to walking on their ancestral land is a powerful motivator.”
HE RAUTAKI AHU WHENUA
NEW STRATEGY LOOKS TO OPTIMISE THE NATURAL SYSTEM OF FARMING
An inherent desire to look after the mauri of PKW whenua as well as ensure long term financial returns for Rau Titikura shareholders is the driving force behind a PKW Farms strategy refresh.
While dairy remains at the core of the farming portfolio, mahi is underway to explore what other options may be possible, in line with the Incorporation’s Papatupu Investment Strategy which includes looking at areas in which PKW could broaden its focus on kai production.
“AS A BUSINESS, WE RECOGNISE THAT FARMING IS A MUCH WIDER SYSTEM THAN JUST COWS AND GRASS. WE MUST LOOK AT WHAT WE DO IN AN OVERALL WAY, WORKING WITH THE NATURAL SYSTEM, WHICH MEANS OPTIMISING DIFFERENT WHENUA FOR DIFFERENT USES”
Craig Hattle - Te Rau Toi Hāpai, Chair Te Rauhī Ahuwhenua PKW Farms Board
“Diversifying the way we work with natural systems doesn’t mean the end of dairy, it means looking at how we can be smart and invest in different ways that not only provides resilience and risk mitigation in terms of financial return, but also enables us to approach farming in a more holistic way. Long-term wealth – over a 50 to 100-year timeframe – is represented by more than just cash.”
Project Takahuri Whenua is already underway to assess PKW whenua and model options on future land use, ways in which to assist emission reduction, and assessing impacts on return on investment. The outcome of the project will deliver some key data to aid strategic decision making.
“A lot of hard mahi in recent years has gone into making our dairy operations as efficient as they can be and that work is paying off, and will continue,” says Shane Miles, Te Rau Whakahaumako/GM Ahuwhenua. “Now it is time to capitalise on that strong core base of dairy and the benefits it is bringing us, and our knowledge and expertise in this space. We need to look at broader options to ensure that we are responding to future challenges such as climate change and approaching how we work our land in the most holistic way.”
Takahuri Whenua is the first step to fully understanding what potential PKW whenua holds for the business. PKW Farms is also looking at what partnerships would accelerate the learnings and capabilities in this space.
Branching Out, a Taranaki project to explore and implement high-value alternatives to traditional land use, has crop trials already underway at 13 trial sites around the region.
The trials, which include garlic, hemp, angelica and kūmara, will provide essential information about the performance of different varieties and cultivation practices. This data will enable Taranaki-based farmers to make informed decisions about what land should be used for what crop, and in what way.
“In the future, we could be growing garlic as an addition to a more integrated farming system across our whenua, or a crop with cultural significance like kūmara, which would be very satisfying,” says Craig.
“By fostering a more resilient and diverse approach to delivering the returns we need, we can also preserve the beautiful awa we all love to see, support the natural rhythms of the land, and protect the native flora and fauna that are so integral to the way Māori connect with the natural world around them.
“Taking an integrated approach to farming is not a new mahi for our Farms team. We already have made positive progress on the whenua with the inclusion of Miraka Hipi and on animal welfare with our calf rearing strategies.
“Recent genetic and breeding advances make the option of a Dairy Beef enterprise more interesting, for example, and we could be exploring this as part of diversification potential, too.”
This strategic refresh is timely to tautoko the strategic approach of He Papa, He Tupu, He Ora at the Incorporation level that puts focus on Place, People, Partnership and Performance with Papatupu at its foundation.
“ENSURING THAT ALL THE PARTS OF PKW ARE WORKING IN SYNERGY WITH EACH OTHER IS VITAL TO ACHIEVE AN EFFECTIVE ORGANISATION THAT DELIVERS FOR ITS SHAREHOLDERS AT ALL LEVELS”
Shane Miles - Te Rau Whakahaumako, GM Ahuwhenua
“We have executed the strategy we created five or six years ago effectively and successfully, and this refresh will help us build on the gains we have made in a more innovative way.
“You can never rest on your laurels in farming, you always need to be striving towards how you can do things better by working with the whenua, not against it. Positive partnerships always deliver positive outcomes, especially when that partnership respects the vital role of whenua to sustain us into the future.”
Craig Hattle - Te Rau Toi Hāpai, Chair Te Rauhī Ahuwhenua PKW Farms Board
KORIKORI E TE IWI!
INVIGORATING NEW OPPORTUNITY SHARED WITH HAPŪ
Te Poihi Campbell, Ngāti Ruanui pou kōrero ki Taiporohēnui
Members from Hāmua and Hāpōtiki hapū browse information about a new land-use opportunity.
Information about a potential new renewable energy initiative on whenua within the rohe of Hāmua and Hāpōtiki has been shared with hapū.
A team from PKW returned to Taiporohēnui marae to talk with hapū members about Project Korikori, which could see solar panels generating 75GWh each year on 60 hectares of whenua – enough to service 9,000 homes.
“We’ve been investigating the potential of this new business venture and have completed initial proofof-concept work. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui worked alongside PKW at Taiporohēnui to introduce the opportunity to hapū,” says Richard Buttimore, PKW Te Rau Whakahono Pito/General Manager Property.
“Broadly speaking, we’re looking at changing what we do on part of an existing 160-hectare PKW dairy support farm. We think it’s the perfect place to for Project Korikori and wanted to start with hapū engagement at the centre.”
After a presentation from Te Rau Matomato/CEO Aisha Ross, attendees explored expo-style stands, reading about different aspects of the proposal and talking with PKW kaimahi from across the organisation.
While much of the day centred on sharing information, an important element was creating space for whānau to give their views and feedback on the idea. A site visit also gave PKW the opportunity to listen and learn as hapū shared kōrero connected to the whenua and their collective and personal aspirations.
“ENGAGEMENT IS
A CRITICAL FIRST STEP FOR EVERY PKW PROJECT. IT’S NOT ABOUT SELLING ANYONE A PREDETERMINED PLAN OR OUTCOME. IT’S ABOUT EXPLORING WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE MARAE AND HAPŪ”
Richard Buttimore - Te Rau Whakahono Pito, GM Property
“The end goal isn’t greenlighting a single plan but ensuring marae and hapū aspirations are woven into what we set out to achieve from the start.”
Early engagement allows PKW to identify and develop opportunities within projects to support specific marae and hapū aspirations. For example, creating specific procurement, training and employment pathways, or kaitiakitanga strategies for whenua or taiao enhancement.
Identifying new business opportunities and diversifying operations on PKW whenua is a central focus of Whakahonoa te Pito, the PKW strategic land management plan.
The next step for Project Korikori is to collate the perspectives and priorities that have been shared with the team and form a response plan.
Richard says “It is still very early days, but we are excited by the opportunity itself and by the positive engagement with our whānau from Hāmua and Hāpōtiki hapū, and Ngāti Ruanui. Keep reading future issues of Whenua to find out more!”
Diversifying land use has the potential to unlock long-term benefits.
Richard Buttimore (far right) says another recent example of land-use diversification is the PKW Miraka Hipi operation.
KA TIKA Ā MURI KA
TIKA Ā MUA PKW TRUST AND PKW FOCUS ON SUPPORTING MANAAKITANGA FOR TE MATATINI O TE
KĀHUI MAUNGA
Photography: Te Matatini Enterprises
Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 came to Ngāmotu in a flourish of colour, soundscape and wairua - at a scale never seen before – and then it was gone but its mauri remains.
Over 5 days 2,200 performers from 55 teams across Aotearoa and Australia took the stage, captivating nearly 64,000 attendees in person and millions more online.
The opportunities it provided for Te Rau Manawaora PKW Trust and Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation to support those providing manaakitanga to the thousands of performers and visitors who came will continue to serve whānau around the maunga for years to come.
“Ensuring the doors of our marae were open to awhi and host the visiting kapa haka groups and their support crews were critical to the success of the festival, and the Trust was proud to be able to help our local marae committees to ensure their buildings and facilities were fit for purpose,” says Puna Wano-Bryant, PKW Te Rautitikura/GM Shareholder and Taiao Engagement. “This was the largest distribution the Trust has ever made to a single kaupapa.”
While the Trust help on average three marae each year through grants, this was an opportunity to reach out to all marae around the maunga and ask them what their critical needs were to be Te Matatini ready.
A total of 13 marae responded by completing an assessment developed by Ngā Waka Whiria ki Taranaki of their infrastructure such as electrical systems, water supply, fire safety, and building maintenance and compliance. A member of Ngā Waka Whiria ki Taranaki then carried out a site visit to establish the extent of the works required so the most urgent could be addressed. Quotes were requested and a Māori qualified tradie employed to do the job.
“This partnership between Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and PKW was key to ensuring that the full regional economic benefits of Te Matatini could be realised by all whānau,” says Emere Wano, Te Matatini Festival Manager. “We started talking very early about how PKW wanted to be involved and manaaki support was identified as a vital need. All marae have those things that need doing –cleaning a water tank, or fixing a plug, sorting a drainage issue – that just don’t get done because the pūtea isn’t there.
Ngā Purapura o Te Taihauāuru proudly representing the host rohe of Te Atiawa and Tokomaru waka
“But they are all things that could have impacted on the ability for these marae to show the level of manaaki they desired, and so the manuhiri experience wouldn’t have been what we aspired it to be.
“The investment from Te Rau Manawaora not only ensured that manuhiri had a fantastic stay, but that the benefits would continue for local hapū for months or even years to come. It was a really good use of this money.”
The Incorporation also helped to ensure kaumātua who attended the festival were looked after in the form of two manaaki areas – a Pāhake Lounge for invited guests, which catered for up to 350 people at a time and served morning and afternoon tea and lunch, and a Kaumātua Kapu Ti station for all general admission Pāhake. This provided free tea, coffee and water and light kai for up to 100 people at a time.
“BOTH SPACES WERE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED BY OUR KAUMĀTUA, WITH LOTS OF GOOD REPORTS BEING PASSED BACK TO WHĀNAU”
Emere
Wano - Te Matatini Festival Manager
Thanks to PKW’s strong supplier networks and longstanding partnerships with food production businesses, the Te Matatini hosting crews were well-supported with dairy and meat products. These contributions complemented the thousands of takeaway kai parcels provided to performers.The partnership was not just restricted to the financial though, with Puna playing a critical role in the coordination of the poi pōwhiri and the organisation of kaikaranga and tutoring of many whānau involved in the waiata, poi and welcoming ceremonies.
“A LOT OF HARD WORK AND PERSONAL SACRIFICE WAS NEEDED FROM EVERYONE TO MAKE THE POI PŌWHIRI AS SUCCESSFUL AS IT WAS WITH HOURS AND HOURS OF REHEARSAL”
Puna Wano-Bryant - Te Rautitikura, GM Shareholder & Taiao Engagement
Puna was also the one who made the decision for the performers to wear white. “We looked back and many of the old photos showed our tūpuna wearing white, especially for celebratory events such as the return of Parihaka prisoners. These powerful images rest on the walls of our marae and are a symbol of resistance and resilience that Taranaki is renowned for. The decision was one of many that ensured the poi pōwhiri had meaning and intent in everything and the result was absolutely breathtaking.Everyone was extremely proud to be involved in such an amazing festival as individuals, as hapū and iwi, and as whānau. Te Rau Manawaora and the Incorporation were also proud to be an enabling partner in an event which was the very definition of kotahitanga –coming together in a common kaupapa to celebrate what it is to be Māori.”
Ngā Waihotanga standing for ngā iwi ki te tonga o Taranaki
2025 HELD IN NGĀMOTU TARANAKI
61%OFMANUHUR I W TUOMORFERE FO NWOT
$3.1 MILLION CONTRIBUTION FROM LOCAL PARTNERSFINANCIAL AND IN-KIND
$24 MILLION DIRECT ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION TO TARANAKI
71 THOUSAND VISITOR NIGHTS DELIVERED MORE THAN 1100 PEOPLE WORKED BEHIND THE SCENES
479, 598
NEW ZEALANDERS WATCHED LIVE VIDEO ON
$63 THOUSAND VISITORS, SPECTATORS AND WHĀNAU ATTENDED TE MATATINI
25 MARAE ACCOMODATED KAIHAKA
1,168,337
NEW ZEALANDERS WATCHED VIDEO ON
TE MATATINI O TE KĀHUI MAUNGA 2025
LOCAL SPONSORS DINNER
KI NOVOTEL NGĀMOTU
Photography by Raymond Tuuta
Keep an eye out for events in 2026 to celebrate our 50th Anniversary and keep your contact details up to
T A R A N A K I
T Ū M A I T A R A N A K I T Ū M A I 2 0 2 5
2 1 - 2 3 N o v e m b e r Ō p u n a k ē I T a r a n a k i
HE TAI TIMU, HE TAI PARI
NAVIGATING THE WAY THROUGH GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY
In another year marked by global turbulence and uncertainty, PKW continues to carefully steer its course towards long-term financial resilience for Rau Titikura now and for generations to come.
“Increased global volatility and a slow-to-recover local economy created challenging conditions for many during the past year. Fortunately the team’s ongoing efforts, our long-term focus, and our commitment to diversification has insulated PKW from the worst effects and is a validation of our strategy,” says Jahron Neha, Te Rau Māhorahora General Manager of Finance & Investments.
There has been no shortage of disruption at home and away during the past 12 months. Climate change, rising geopolitical tensions and changing consumer behaviours continue to impact many operations worldwide and require close monitoring. Unpredictable and fast-evolving USA policy positions have created uncertainty in the international markets. The slowing of economic growth in China is also reverberating across many sectors and markets.
At home, the green shoots of a much-anticipated economic recovery largely failed to unfurl during the past year. The benefits of booming primary exports, growing markets, and easing inflation continue to be soured by the cost of major climate events, weak property and labour markets, and soft consumer demand.
The tauākī “Kauria te moana oruoru, te moana waiwai, te moana tuatua” remains ever relevant, as we navigate through oceans of complexity. Amid the market volatility of the past 12 months, simple examples show how greater diversification can play out and pay off. For example, high farm gate milk prices in New Zealand have offset the impact of falling kōura (rock lobster) prices in China.
“THE PKW STORY REMAINS ONE OF RESILIENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY AND UNCERTAINTY. IT MIGHT NOT GRAB HEADLINES, BUT OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO DIVERSIFICATION REMAINS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR RESPONSIBLY MANAGING OUR RAU TITIKURA INVESTMENTS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIVE AS WE STEER OUR COURSE, BUILDING THE CASH DIVIDEND FOR SHAREHOLDERS AND SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE THROUGH GROWING PROSPERITY”
Jahron Neha - Te Rau Māhorahora, General Manager of Finance & Investments
Flexibility and resilience were integral to one of the team’s proud successes this past year - the conclusion of the seven-year corpus rental review with the West Coast Lessees’ Association
“Resolving what had been a complex and lengthy process, and achieving a positive result ,is a win that will pay real dividends,” Jahron says.
The positive financial outcome from the corpus rental review and a strong Miraka Kau performance have offset challenges experienced in other areas of its portfolio.
Ongoing difficulties in New Zealand’s fledging sheep milk industry continued to place a strain on Miraka Hipi operations this year. The industry struggles to establish a strong presence in key export markets translated into a suppressed farmgate milk price for farmers.
The kōura business, Tātai Kōura Port Nicholson Fisheries Limited Partnership, has faced more than its share of challenging headwinds this year from a slowing Chinese economy. The sudden reintroduction of Australian rock lobster into the Chinese market led to a rapid market correction, with significant falls in kōura prices and bottom-line margins.
But Jahron maintains a positive outlook. “Despite these kinds of one-off shocks and the likelihood of continued global uncertainty and risk, PKW remains on track. Our commitment to long-term economic resilience is the right one, and allows us to balance reinvestment alongside returning cash dividends to our whānau.”
KO TE MAHI O TE TIKANGA HE PUPURU?
Nā Tonga Karena
Ki te kī mai koe e pupuru ana te tikanga i te aha? Ahakoa nā, he pātai ki te pātai e pātaitia nā – he pātai pai tonu. Kia whakatika au i ahau. No te mea, he tapu tō te kupu nā. Kua roa e poipoia ana e te ngutu tangata, ā, kua tupua tēnei kupu. Tupua pēhea nei? Ahakoa ko tēhea wāhi Māori e haere ana koe, ka taea koe e te whakahuatanga o tēnei kupu. He tikanga Māori tēnei! Koirā raka – ko tōna mana hei huarahi atu ki roto i te ao o te tikanga Māori. Ko te wairua o taua kōrero iana – me pēnei, me pēnei, me pēnā, me pēnā. Ka mau koe ki ngā paiherenga o te ao Māori me hōnā tātainga kōrero katoa. Anā, ki te kore e whai i tēnei tikanga ko te hē tō hoa haere. No konā, ko te whakautu ki te pātai o runga ake nei, āna, kei te pupuru i te tikanga te tika. Kāore i kō atu i kō mai i tēnā.
Ko te mea kē, kāore hoki i ārikarika tā tēnā me tā tēnā whakaaro he aha rawa te mea e tika ana ki a rātou. Nā reira, ka hora, ka tupu, ka puāwai ki tēnā whaitua me tēnā whaitua ngā tūmomo tikanga katoa mo tēnā ritenga, mo tēnā kaupapa kia paihere ai te tangata ki te mouri o taua mahinga. He uaua rawa ki te whakapapahia mai i ngā tikanga katoa mō tēnā mea, mo tēnā mea. Mai i te takoto o te hīti ki te takoto o te kōpaki, te wāhi takoto o te tūpāpaku; te iringa o te haki ki ngā wāhi o te pou haki, te mau tarau poto ki te mau kākahu pango; te keri rua tūpāpaku i te atapō, te kutikuti rānei i te uru i te wā e pō ana. Ko ētehi hēra o runga ake nei – kei te ora tonu – tāna nei ora, engari ko ētehi kua moe hō rātou mouri.
Nō te mea e whātoro ana te Ao Māori me hōnā tikanga ki roto i a Kamupene ki roto i a Kopa Pakihi – kei te uia te ngākau ka pēheatia tā tātou pupuru i haua tikanga. Āe rānei, ka pēhia kia toa ai ko auraki, ko ritenga Pākehā, ka whakamoea rānei kia whānau mai ai he ritenga hou. Kei konā hoki e mea ana – e whākana mai ana tētehi wero nui e āhei ai te whakatinana i te ao Māori kia whakaponohia kia pono, kia whakatonuhia ai kia tonu. He māmā te kī, ko mea te whare - ko ngā kai o roto ko mea. Engari, kei te āhua tonu o te pupuru o te mouri o taua whare me te hora tonu i haua kai ki hō manuhiri ki a wai ake rānei e mārama ai tā te ahikā me hā rātou whakamana i hō rātou whakapaparanga kōrero i tāirihia ake rā ki te pakitara o te whare. Koirā tērā –ko te tā te tikanga he pupuru i te whakapapa kōrero, otirā, ko hērā i whakanikohia ki roto i a pou whakairo, ko te hunga nāna i whakaara taua whare me te whiriwhiri he aha rā nga kai o roto. Ka rere i runga i ngā whakatupuranga, he ōhākī, he putanga tauira –hei moungaroa tonu mā ngā mokopuna. Ehara i te mea ka tuhia ki te matamata o te whārangi tā ngā tupuna i waiho mai ai hei tikanga – he mea tuhi kē ki te ngākau o te hunga e pupuru ana i te mouri o taua whare, ā, he wā tōna, ka maringi iho i te waha he whakamārama, he whakatūpato, he whakatika e mou ai te tapu o haua kōrero i whakarerena ake ai ki rātou.
HE PĀNUI
IMPORTANT NOTICES
PARININIHI KI WAITŌTARA INCORPORATION
HUI Ā-TAU (ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held at Owae Marae, 15 North Street, Waitara on 8th November 2025.
9.00am - Pōwhiri and registrations
10.00am - Meeting commences
BUSINESS AGENDA
• Apologies
• Confirmation of Minutes of 2024 Annual General Meeting
• Annual Report and Financial Statements to 30 June, 2025
• Approval of Dividend
• Appointment of Auditor
• Appointment of Share Valuer
• Tapuirau Property Development Opportunity
• Committee of Management Election Outcome
• General Business
PARININIHI KI WAITŌTARA TRUST
HUI Ā-TAU (ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual General Meeting of Beneficiaries will be held immediately following the Annual General Meeting of the PKW Incorporation.
Please note that lunch will be served at 1.00pm.
Aisha Ross SECRETARY
BUSINESS AGENDA
• Apologies
• Confirmation of Minutes of 2024 Annual General Meeting
• Annual Report and Financial Statements to 30 June, 2025
• Appointment of Auditor
• Election of Shareholder Representative for PKW Trust
• General Business
RAU TITIKURA SHOWCASE AND HĪKOI WHENUA
The hui-ā-tau will be followed by a Showcase to share key diversification initiatives and a Hīkoi Whenua. This will commence at 3.00pm and will go for 2 hours. If you wish to attend the Hikoi Whenua, please register by calling or emailing the tari.
RSVP by 31st October 2025 | Phone: 06 769 9373 | Email: reception@pkw.co.nz