Positive progress reported at AGM

The overall message from the 2019 Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation AGM was one of positive progress and a good financial result after a challenging farming season.

There was also the opportunity to celebrate the Awhiwhenua training programme as the graduation of the year’s cadets also took place.

Andrew Beijeman, CEO, told the hui that the year had been one of learning for the team as they explored new revenue streams and marketplaces for the Awhi range of products.

“We have had a real focus on adding value by moving further up the supply chain to develop a stronger connection with our customers and that is delivering the economic benefits we planned for, along with some learning opportunities we didn’t!” he says. “But anything learned is knowledge gained, putting us in a stronger position for the years to come.”

This strategy saw the launch of the Ruapehu Angus brand in February 2019, and Awhi Lamb introduced into the US marketplace through the Incorporation’s strategic partnership with Broadleaf Game. Awhi Single Harvest Honey will also soon be available to American consumers. total revenue of $24m (an increase on $21.6 in 2018) and total equity of $160m (159.6m 2018). The total net surplus (before finance costs and non-operating revaluations) was $3.0m ($3.1 2018).

The Incorporation’s livestock has performed well, with an increase in the numbers of calves and lambs born and steers attracting an average price of $1851 at market. Those sent to the Angus Pure NZ programme attract a 10% premium which translates to $160 more per head.

“This shows the benefit of a value-add strategy, and we are proud that our farms supply 80% of the beef distributed under the Angus Pure NZ brand to this business partnership,” says Andrew.

Ātihau-Whanganui Inc bees have been busy with an increase in production of 91,761 kilograms of honey overall and there are plans for a new organic product stream to be on supermarket shelves within the next two years.

In terms of farm development and caring for the land, the Incorporation is continuing to show its commitment with a further 10,000m of riparian fencing completed and 2000 native species planted in 2017/2018. Another 12,600m of fencing to protect native bush and erosion-prone areas from damage by stock has also been installed as part of our partnership with Horizons regional council – all part of the investment and development programme which is currently in its third year.

The kaimahi who work at ĀtihauWhanganui Inc are the heartbeat of the organisation, so positive and favourable feedback from a staff engagement survey was pleasing, says Chair of the Board, Mavis Mullins.

“The sound financial result posted is a reflection of the fact that we have an organisation working together as a team at every level of the business,” she added. “Every member of the whānau here has played their part and I want them to know that their contribution is noted and appreciated.”

One of the on-going challenges the business faces is reconnecting with whānau who have unpaid dividends.

Above and below: The 2019 AGM was a time for shareholders to reconnect, celebrate and acknowledge.

“We are working hard to build new connections by creating opportunities for our shareholders to talk to us face to face, as well as using social media and other channels to find those who may not have realised they are entitled to a payout,” says Mavis.

“This challenge is one that many incorporations and trusts face, and is growing year-on-year as succession occurs, so we will continue our efforts. It is important to note that the incorporation is only one step in a multiple-step process that has to be undertaken to get to formal succession.”

“Sharing our year with our shareholders is always something I look forward to and last year’s AGM was no different,” says Andrew. “Ensuring our shareholders have the transparency they need and us being upfront and honest about our achievements and challenges is an essential part of who we are as an organisation.”