Boost for Maori orchards

The productivity and profitability of Maori kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty should lift significantly thanks for to $2.1 million of government funding.

'The Tuhono Whenua project aims to lift the productivity and profitability of collectively owned Maori kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty, Northland and Gisborne,” says Ministry for Primary Industries Deputy Director-General Ben Dalton.

The project is one of five aimed to add further value to increasing the productivity of Maori primary sector assets.

The Maori agribusiness projects have been approved by the ministry's Sustainable Farming Fund from a total of 31 approved projects this year.

'MPI is dedicated to partnering with Māori to increase the value of their primary sector assets. The flow on effects of this will contribute directly into New Zealand's regional economies.

'The five projects address a range of issues in Māori agribusiness from horticulture to improving farming practises and land restoration.

'Using a customised orchard advisory approach, returns will be increased by more than $10,000 per hectare. Over the targeted 200 hectares, this will conservatively increase orchard returns by more than $2,000,000 annually.”

Also funded is an integrated management project to scale up to 15 farms in the North Island with an estimated area of 30,000 hectares providing a significant lift in sustainable productivity and profitability.

'A project in the Waikura Valley will look at the critical environmental risks associated with large scale active gully erosion, trialling new methods to stabilise the severely damaged area.

'This project will provide a platform for Waikura valley land-owners to participate in the development of a land management plan, recognising Māori as kaitiaki of the land that is important to future generations,” says Ben.

The Maori agribusiness projects accepted into the SFF are:

Maori Incorporations/Trusts: conducting business in your sector - integrated management to improve productivity and profitability for Maori agribusiness; Tuhono Whenua kiwifruit orchard productivity – Bay of Plenty, Northland, Gisborne; Waikura Valley land restoration project – East Coast Farming with the environment for customers.

'Maori continue to play an increasingly significant role in New Zealand's primary industry sector, as key partners in much of the country's natural resources.”

The five Maori agribusiness projects are worth more than 2.1 million, with 49 per cent provided by the project and 51 per cent funded through SFF.

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49 comments

So if,

Posted on 15-04-2014 08:59 | By Sambo Returns

A person of Chinese origin, who has descendants resident in NZ since the early 19th century, and who have been market gardening in South Auckland for many a year applies for a grant from the "Sustainable Farming Fund", what would the result be?...., this is racist and downright wrong, why should one ethnic minority, get preference over another!!!!


more

Posted on 15-04-2014 09:52 | By Captain Sensible

another racist govt scheme that discriminates against all non-maori kiwis. when will this awful racism stop?!


Why do they get my money?

Posted on 15-04-2014 11:12 | By jed

I don't understand why these profitable business should get any government money!!! If profitability is going to increase by so much then isn't there a good business case to finance this themselves! The article is very unclear on whether they were given the money because they are maori.


Overit

Posted on 15-04-2014 12:09 | By overit

This is wrong in every sense.


Ministry of Primary Industries investments

Posted on 15-04-2014 12:36 | By kari kirihou

sambo, you better do your homework before you go making slanderous remarks against the Ministry of Primary Industries and against Maori. Go have a look ath their website. They have invested 15.1 million in the past year across a wide range of agricultural sectors. I'm pretty sure these are not all Maori owned. Lets not pretend to be the victim Sammy !


Even share

Posted on 15-04-2014 12:45 | By kari kirihou

Maori are 15percent of the population. 15 percent of 15.1 million is 22.65 million, so 2.1 million seems pretty fair to me.


Hey!Sammy

Posted on 15-04-2014 12:46 | By robin bell

If your Chinese friend can increase his export receipts,he could get a grant.S.F.F is there for any exporter who can show the ability to expand.I think its you who is racist,you would deny Maori the same opportunity as anyone else.Robin Bell.


.

Posted on 15-04-2014 12:59 | By robin bell

whenever any reference to Maori is mentioned,out they come.Farming of all kinds is what keeps N.Z.going.Investment by the Gov'nt is essential.Fact.There is no preference given to any group,Fact.Robin Bell.


correction

Posted on 15-04-2014 13:05 | By kari kirihou

oops my mistake not 22.65 million at all 2.265 million, 2.1 million of that seems fair


seesee

Posted on 15-04-2014 13:28 | By SeeSee

Okay, so at what stage do they start to re-pay all this money handout, or will their orchards never reach a profitable state as pakeha owned ones have to.


Part Maori are 15 %

Posted on 15-04-2014 14:04 | By Fonzie

Kari Kirihau Genetically they are something less than 5% How many would put their hand up to being more than half Maori ?


Maori Business Sense

Posted on 15-04-2014 14:12 | By Mary Faith

If all Maori went to the same school as Kari Kirihou then God help us all. He says - quote "15 percent of 15.1 million is 22.65 million" !!!!! This new grant is SPECIFICALLY for Maori - like the long list of other racist grants!


What's the problem?

Posted on 15-04-2014 14:16 | By WSTAKL

I see the usual suspects are up in arms about this. I wonder if the same people have a problem with John Key hosting a private dinner party for the royals using taxpayers money? Sorry, you can't call it a private dinner when my money was used and I never received an invite.


more handouts

Posted on 15-04-2014 15:00 | By dumbkof2

maori have had far more help than everyone else put together. what about all the millions of dollars they have already been given. why cant they use some of that


seesee you see

Posted on 15-04-2014 15:16 | By robin bell

nothing.Before anyone can get these grants,they have to show viability.Maybe you can remember the suspensiary loans made to many Pakeha orchadists.I can.Whats the difference?Robin Bell.


Yet more misinformation,

Posted on 15-04-2014 17:04 | By robin bell

by maryfaith,dumbkof and fonzie.The claims you make are pathetic misrepresentations of the facts.It seems you will never change.No informed people will see an issue with this.Maori enterprises are as entitled as any other to apply.By sheer numbers alone Pakeha get most of the available funds.Thats how it should be.The simple fact that you people are paranoid at the mention of the generic word Maori,says more about your racist state of mind,than your dearth of "common sense"Robin Bell.


@Robin Bell

Posted on 15-04-2014 18:45 | By Sambo Returns

so why then do Maori not apply under the same criteria?, sorry thats right, then you could not have a separate entity, with ceremonial trough to dive into.


Hey!Sammy

Posted on 15-04-2014 20:56 | By robin bell

When you talk sense I'll answer your questions.Robin Bell.


racist

Posted on 15-04-2014 21:25 | By dumbkof2

hey robin bell why is it that as soon as the word maori is used its racist. but if the word pakeha is used its not. i prefer to be called a european. to me the word pakeha is racist


@ robin bell

Posted on 15-04-2014 21:25 | By Captain Sensible

robin bell, you just don't (or won't) get it do you? any funding based on race is racist. maori can apply for funding like anyone else but to have special race based funds for maori only is....drum roll please....racist.


All you had to say was Maori

Posted on 15-04-2014 22:53 | By xfiles

All you had to say was Maori and that starts people off.. I personally dont believe in things like how their can be a "Maori Party" but people don't like the "White Party" Lol


even share

Posted on 16-04-2014 06:12 | By kari kirihou

All this lambasting about Maori getting 2 mill to grow kiwifruit,..... mmmmm whats up with tax payer money going to the pakeha Michael Hill to play golf to the tune of two mill? ......eh !!!


Equal Playing Field - yeah right!

Posted on 16-04-2014 08:57 | By Mary Faith

You need to take your blinkers off Mr Bell. You say that Pakeha get most of the funds - as "Sambo" says, 'why don't Maori apply for those same funds'? Pakeha farmers were granted suspensory loans which have to be paid back. Do Maori ever pay anything back? I think not! Why don't they use their own funds already given by the government, to help themselves? These comments are not racist - they are plain black and white facts Mr Bell.


Hey!Sammy

Posted on 16-04-2014 09:28 | By robin bell

your us v them, mentality is regretable.Five projects out of thirty one seems reasonable to me.The cultural and social structure around Maori owned land,is vastly different to the average.The projects in question are collective ventures,a state of affairs bought about by various"Acts of Parliament"over many generations.The criteria remains the same for all,viability and the management skills to increase export receipts,bringing benefits to not only the business owners,but N.Zrs in general.That you and others can't "get your heads"around these facts,is a sad reflection on your prejudice.Open your mind Sam.Robin Bell.


Most of the first start..

Posted on 17-04-2014 02:44 | By awaroa

Orchards in BOP are ... Wait for it.. Maori owned.. and wait for it.. They are producing the highest quality, most sought after fruit.. But wait there's more.. Being the first past the post means the carrying the responsibility of higher UNSUBSIDISED costs.. and if that's not enough.. There's more.. as first exporters, the fruit is the first to hit the international markets and with that comes the added obligations to setting the highest standard for not just other growers but the NZ brand as well.. Want more.. The second wave of orchards that don't perform as well, pakeha ones, receive SUBSIDIES, where do the subsidies come from, the first pick orchards.. who are.. Maori.. But wait there's more, the slow start orchards think the Maori ones should pay higher cool store rates. Why when their fruit doesn't use cool stores- racism, jealousy & poor me syndrome..


MaryFaith,

Posted on 17-04-2014 09:10 | By robin bell

You claim that I am blinkered,sadly I think the reverse is true.Before the Rural Bank was sold to Fletchers,they squandered countless millions of dollars in suspensory and very low interest loans.I know because I was the recipient of one.The N.Z.taxpayer (including Maori)subsidised that "privelige"The vast majority of recipients were inevitably Pakeha.FACT.It was unsustainable,and failed,but not before many had diverted funds into house improvements,swimming pools etc.The positive side is that it helped to establish the Kiwifruit Industry."Privelige"is not a word you should should use so much Mary,as sure as chickens lay eggs,It will come back to bite you.When you use terms like"Do Maori ever pay anything back?I think not"it puts you firmly in the racist camp,along side the other regular whingers...Tino Pai Awaroa.Robin Bell.


racist

Posted on 24-04-2014 13:18 | By Captain Sensible

There are NO race based pakeha only handouts based on people being pakeha. the same can NOT be said about maori. Maori get race based ( ie racist) handouts all the time. That's why NZ is a racist country.


Master Bell

Posted on 24-04-2014 16:28 | By YOGI BEAR

The Government directed that the subsidies be paid, so it is the taxpayers of NZ that actually "paid" no one else.


taxpayers - bell

Posted on 24-04-2014 18:33 | By YOGI BEAR

They are the people who "pay" there fair share, some groups have reduced tax rates based on colour and generally they don't pay any personal tax either so I don't know how you can justify the comments you have made?


Positive

Posted on 24-04-2014 21:13 | By HappyBay

Good grief, so much whinging about a positive move. All the usual suspects having a good old moan. Awaroa, you make sense and Bell, admire your stamina on these stories on SL.


racist cap'n

Posted on 26-04-2014 16:27 | By robin bell

c'mon,you should have learned by now.Compensation for stolen lands are NOT race based handouts.Titford got 3.2 million and he was Pakeha.The highest individual payment of any.You cannot hide your own racism,by accusing everyone else of it.It's difficult to know what your end game is,but I have to tell you,your not making much progress.As for your mate mr bear,he should know there are NO"reduced tax rates"based on colour.All people,of all colours pay the same tax rate on income.Robin Bell.


Naive Bell

Posted on 05-05-2014 13:24 | By YOGI BEAR

How silly we are ... Maori Trusts are generally treated as tax free and that is a rort, even if they are not they only pay 17.5% tax (you have to be the right colour for that to happen) otherwise you pay up to 33%. Perhaps you would like to explain that Master Bell? Like what is the basis for the different and better tax rate? Hmmmm now let me guess ...????


NO

Posted on 05-05-2014 20:34 | By crazyhorse

What's your problem with telling the truth Bell,part maori ,iwi corporations pay no tax, they are run as charities, they pay only GST, you might think this is fair but how is non part maori business compete with that, their costs are huge as they have to make up the extra tax taken by those who do not contribute, in 2011, Te Puni Kokiri advised Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples that yes indeed welfare payments to Maori exceed the tax contribution that Maori make to the economy, have a read of this campers!. http://www.nzcpr.com/tax-payer-subsidised-charities-and-their-business-activities-time-for-change/


Charitable Trusts,

Posted on 06-05-2014 08:54 | By robin bell

are rampant in N.Z. They are a Pakeha invented instrument.Many large corporations operate as such.(no complaint from you I note)Sanitarium Foods,Interworld Plastics,Exclusive Bretheren Church,I could go on and on.Is it fair? probably not.Naivety is a subjective thing,so is crazy's version of honesty. That you both single out Maori Trusts is an example not only of your naivety but also your racism.Robin Bell.


APOLOGIST DRIBBLE

Posted on 06-05-2014 09:23 | By Jeromy Murkin

The Inland Revenue page on Maori organisations says that from April 1, 2003, any organisation that administers a marae situated on a Maori reservation has been able to qualify for an income tax exemption as a charity, as long as it uses its funds to administer and maintain the marae's physical structure and land, or for charitable purposes. The tax exemption is further detailed in Part 1, Section 5 of the Charities Act 2005. Moreover, Maori authorities have had a special tax status for a long time. The rate was 19.5 percent, reduced to 17.5 percent from the 2012 income year. "fairy springs Rotorua shot over jet queenstown all run as charities, multi million dollar maori businesses, contributing to the economy, ?????????


Tell the truth?

Posted on 06-05-2014 12:17 | By YOGI BEAR

Come on Krazy Mun, how can that happen it is a complete contradiction. The only possible way for it to happen would be if there is a bit of koha in it somewhere for Mowa ... then you can write your own script, not a problem.


MPI is dedicated

Posted on 06-05-2014 13:14 | By YOGI BEAR

So the taxpayer funds the improvements to Maori assets, the owners pay no tax and that is a good thing, positive, great for all of NZ? Please give me a break on this!


Truth

Posted on 06-05-2014 15:39 | By YOGI BEAR

Crazyhorse, the problem with it is that it is just so not convenient at all. So denial is the only defence left or the good old trusty favourite "racist".


ROBIN BELL RACIST!

Posted on 07-05-2014 08:41 | By crazyhorse

I'm not the one wanting to live in a separatist apartheid NZ, equality is what I'm after a level playing field for all Kiwi's, this separatist system costs not millions of dollars but billions a year. All I do bell is imagine a NZ health, education and housing system with those billions of dollars pumped in for "ALL NEW ZEALANDERS" if that makes me a racist a red neck so be it, lot's more where that came from bell, get off your knees, let the sun shine on your face for a change.


What you

Posted on 07-05-2014 09:14 | By robin bell

don't get mr bear,is the fact that you credibility is shot.You committed "Hari Kari" years ogo.You must remember,when you claimed Maori floated here on a log when you claimed Zheng He oops! sorry General.You must remember your claim of seven,yes seven pre Maori cultures.It goes on and on,and you have the audacity to talk about truth.WOW! Robin Bell.


Robin

Posted on 07-05-2014 13:28 | By YOGI BEAR

So read a few recent posts you would have to admit that there is a "preference" provided to Maori to run businesses and not pay tax right?


All New Zealanders,

Posted on 08-05-2014 09:29 | By robin bell

get those billions now crazyhoss.I do feel sorry for you though,your not here to enjoy it.Fact is you are so consumed with conspiracy and hatred,you can't see the horse for the trees.For the majority of Maori,N.Z.has always been a "seperate" but definately not an Apartheid nation.Although there were times when they may have felt that way.The "billions" you refer to are simply a reflection of our new enlightened approach to our bi-cultural founding.In other words Maori are at last being treated on an equal footing.I know you don't like it,but quite frankly,it could'nt happen to a "nicer" person. Your education continues. Robin Bell.


Separatist Apartheid NZ,

Posted on 08-05-2014 12:01 | By crazyhorse

Another victim succumbs to "democracy NZ style" Mike McVicker resigns from his portfolio for Rotorua council's Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy group,why , trying to stop another unwanted unelected maori board being forced on Rotorua rate payers,how do we know it's unwanted, the daily post has done a survey, 70% so far don't want a bar of it! Rotorua council led by Stevie Chadwick is pushing it's own agenda, an agenda they have no right to push or were voted in by the majority of Rotorua to push, RACIST UNDEMOCRATIC ROTORUA COUNCIL!. Best of luck Mr McVicker your stand is appreciated by the "MAJORITY" and I hope your referendum get's a go ahead it still wont matter but wakes people up to the rot going on and the abuse of power in local Gov't.


Separatist Apartheid NZ,

Posted on 08-05-2014 21:26 | By crazyhorse

Polling in Rotorua against new "unelected maori board" now 78% against. Golly Rotorua people are standing up to be counted, strange when 1/3 of the people are maori, hope Tauranga resident's show the same intestinal fortitude when they try and push through the same here???????.


1974 Maori Affairs Amendment Act,

Posted on 08-05-2014 21:52 | By Jeromy Murkin

n 2000, Simon Chapple, then a Senior Research Analyst with the Department of Labour, used data from the 1996 census to examine the impact that these new definitions brought in by Matiu Rata were having on the number of people officially categorised as Maori. He found that instead of the 273,693 New Zealanders who indicated they were Maori-only being the recognised total, Statistics New Zealand's policy of adding everyone who included Maori as one of their ethnic groups into the final count, meant that the official tally was 580,374! In other words, the change in methodology effectively doubled the 'official” number of Maori. Simon Chapple recommended that the Maori ethnic group should be restricted to those who identify as Maori-only, with everyone else allocated to their other major ethnic group - but that suggestion was ignored,the Government new bettar.


Jeromy

Posted on 12-05-2014 11:26 | By YOGI BEAR

Exactly right on those numbers, the real proportion of NZ Maori is about 5-6% and dwindling. The remainder are just jumping on the bandwagon for what was seen as the likely handouts to follow, they have not been disappointed there but then getting the spoils shared out is another thing, I guess that will result in another round of claims via WTH Tribunal ... wind the clock back to 1975 ah folks ...


Tioka

Posted on 13-05-2014 10:14 | By tioka

Why is this information not made more available, this just pops up in this artcle, no wonder people jump up and down, is it true or not can not be some one having us on.


Tioka

Posted on 14-05-2014 09:58 | By YOGI BEAR

It will be generally right, the notes below depend upon who writes of course, some are particular adept at being creative but for them the others seem to be able to sort that and the "When the Bell ... rings" that game is up.


A ringing Bell,

Posted on 14-05-2014 17:05 | By robin bell

we have to feel sorry for the old bear.He has suffered from a ringing in his ears for a long time.He is correct in one thing though,he and his mates are very,very "creative".Perhaps his best creation is his belief that he speaks for the majority.How arrogant is that? Robin Bell.


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