Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Judging to begin for Maori excellence in farming award

Updated at 7:07 am on 26 February 2013

Judging begins this weekto find the best Maori sheep and beef farming operation in New Zealand.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy which was first competed for 80 years ago, is the premier award for individual Maori farmers and incorporations.

The competition was started in 1932 by Sir Apirana Ngata, with help from the Governor General Lord Bledisloe.

Organising committee chairman Kingi Smiler said it's fitting the current Governor General will present the trophy to this year's winner at a gala dinner in Napier.

Mr Smiler said being able to celebrate 80 years of the competition provides a real chance to honour not only the 2013 winner but many past winners who have made a significant contribution to farming over many years.

He said following the first round of judging by a panel of five, three finalists will be selected and their farms judged again before a winner is chosen.

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