Farm Environment Trust Awards: regional biodiversity winners announced
Eleven farming and growing businesses across Aotearoa New Zealand have been recognised for on-farm actions to protect and restore biodiversity.
The New Zealand Farm Environment Trust’s Farm Environment Awards celebrate farming and growing businesses leading the way in sustainable land and water management.
The Ministry for the Environment is proudly sponsoring the Biodiversity Award, which recognises practical, locally led work.
Regional winners were announced at events held around the country from 5 March to 1 April. Each regional Biodiversity Award winner will be considered for the National Biodiversity Award at an awards showcase in Wellington on 2 July 2026.
Winners are supporting biodiversity and nature by fencing off and retiring wetlands and native bush, installing fish passages, tracking improvements in biodiversity, controlling weeds such as Old Man’s Beard and pests like possums, setting up farm plant nurseries and participating in catchment group work.
- Northland: Alan Dobbie — Wiroa Horticulture
- Auckland: David and Di Chamberlin
- Waikato: Willy and Keely Muir — Muir Farming Partnership
- Bay of Plenty: Niamh Mark, Peter Mark and Megan Richards — Te Ranga Pamu Limited
- Taranaki: Philip and Lyneyre Hooper
- East Coast: Tim and Lucy Mouat
- Horizons: Derek Mickleson — Henare Trust
- Greater Wellington: Simon Perry, Meg Wheatstone and Matt Perry — Waiteko
- Christchurch: Paul and Kerry Harmer — Castle Ridge Station
- Otago: Morgan France, Ruby Herron and Kerry France — Longview Farm
- Southland: Mark and Elspeth Thomson — Lora Glen
Lorena Stephen, the Ministry's General Manager for Partnerships and Investments said these farmers and growers are part of the sustainable leadership across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“These awards recognise farmers and growers protecting the native trees, birds and wetlands making Aotearoa New Zealand so unique. They deserve our thanks and every bit of the recognition they get through these awards.
“By protecting biodiversity, they’re sustaining their business and improving their bottom line. There’s more shelter for stock, better stock health, less erosion and even reduced insurance premiums.
“We’re proud to sponsor the Biodiversity Award and celebrate the leadership being shown in communities across Aotearoa,” she said.
The winners reflect the diversity of farming and growing systems across the country and winners show how biodiversity outcomes can be achieved through practical management decisions on the ground. Find stories, photos and videos about each regional winner through the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust awards website.