Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
41 seconds ago
An EIT horticulture student has been named the winner of the 2026 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award in recognition of her leadership and contribution to New Zealand’s horticulture sector.
Te Rina Joe (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu), who is completing her Horticulture Apprenticeship Programme (Level 4) through EIT, is the third EIT learner to receive the honour since the horticulture category was introduced.
EIT student Te Rina Joe (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu) has been named the winner of the 2026 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award. Photo/Alphapix.nz and Ahuwhenua Trophy.
The award was presented on Friday evening at a gala dinner in Whangārei attended by more than 700 people from across New Zealand’s primary sector, government and Māori communities.
Each finalist received a $5,000 scholarship, with Te Rina receiving an additional $5,000 as the winner.
The horticulture category was introduced in 2020 and is contested once every three years as part of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award programme, which rotates between the horticulture, dairy, and sheep and beef sectors.
The 27-year-old works as a supervisor and orchard hand at Pakuratahi Orchard in Tangoio for Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Ltd, where she oversees teams of up to 60 workers across a 55-hectare apple operation.
Te Rina’s horticulture journey began at the age of 15, working seasonally in orchards and packhouses in Central Hawke’s Bay alongside her siblings, cousins and other members of her whānau.
She later secured permanent employment in the industry before taking up the opportunity to work for her iwi on iwi-owned land.
She began studying with EIT in 2022 through the NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3), completed the Horticulture Apprenticeship Programme (Level 3) in 2023 and is now in the second year of her Level 4 studies.
“Horticulture is such a big part of my life, and just having the chance to be part of the competition has been an amazing experience,” Te Rina said.
She acknowledged fellow finalists Larissa Wooding-Ngata and Robert John Manuel and said it had been a pleasure sharing the journey with them.
EIT Horticulture Tutor Clare Buckner said Te Rina’s success reflected years of commitment to both her studies and career progression.
“She is incredibly deserving of this award. Te Rina has been a fantastic student and continues to be an inspiration to everyone who comes into contact with her.
“Over the past five years we have seen her grow in confidence and responsibility as she has progressed through her qualifications and taken on leadership roles in the workplace.”
Looking ahead, Te Rina hopes to one day manage the orchard she works on and create opportunities for friends and whānau to build careers in the horticulture industry.
Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee Chair Nukuhia Hadfield says Te Rina’s story is one of real purpose.
“She had the opportunity to work for her iwi, on their land, and she took it. The connection between a person, their people, and place is exactly what this award is about.
“This competition continues to show us is that the talent is there, young Māori who are grounded in who they are, serious about their craft, and ready to lead, quietly shaping what Māori horticulture looks like for the generations ahead.”
Te Rina joins previous winners Maatutaera Tipoki Akonga (2020) and Grace Rehu (2023), both of whom also studied through EIT.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/08/eit-student-wins-ahuwhenua-young-maori-grower-award/