Investment strategy to bear fruit

A new product is being added to the Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation’s food basket offering - blueberries!

An initial two hectares of growing tunnels is currently being set up at Te Hou Farms, an investment property run in partnership by Ngā Waiariki-Ngāti Apa, ĀtihauWhanganui Inc and Waitatapia Station Ltd.

The 1225-hectare farm is located 15 km east of Bulls and consists of a 376-hectare irrigated dairy unit, drystock and cropping.

“Te Hou Farms has always represented an opportunity for us to diversify our investment portfolio, as well as increasing our exposure to dairy, as part of a strategic partnership,” says Mavis Mullins, Chair of the Ātihau-Whanganui Inc Board. “This new undertaking is an exciting one which will see our blueberries on supermarket shelves across Aotearoa.”

The investment is being carried out as part of a fully integrated commercial business model, meaning that customers are ready and waiting for the berries to be grown.

“We are still at an early stage of development, with the growing tunnels being set up and the technology that delivers water and nutrients in precise quantities being installed,” says Andrew Beijeman, CEO of Ātihau-Whanganui Inc. “Growing blueberries on a commercial scale is a very scientific and efficient process and we are excited to learn more about the horticultural business.”

“All being well, we should see more tunnels being set up in the future to expand our growing potential. Although the climate and soils are favourable for growing blueberries, the tunnel housing ensures those variables will be specifically managed, so we are expecting very good yields of fruit.”

The Te Hou Farms partnership has been in place for nearly six years and has seen significant development on farm to increase production and efficiency.

“The dairy unit particularly has seen extensive irrigation work carried out along with an upgraded effluent treatment system,” says Andrew. “This has contributed to its excellent performance as one of the top 20% dairy units in the country. Irrigation development, which will give us more options in terms of land use on the rest of the farm, is currently about halfway to completion.”

The partnership is an interesting one, as it requires three very different entities to work together to find common ground.

“Collaboration with other entities and organisations is essential for us moving forward, and Te Hou Farms is a very good example of working with others to give us the leverage to exploit new opportunities,” says Mavis.

“We need to be courageous as we continue to implement our strategic aims and look for new ways to follow our kaupapa of toitū te mana, toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata, to help people and nature to flourish together.”

“Of course, all our decisions are made once the best due diligence has been carried out and frequent reviews ensure that all our investments continue to meet the benchmarks we have laid down to ensure the opportunity is a fruitful one.”

“Te Hou Farms is a long-term investment that manages risk and creates opportunities for the future.”