Unlocking Opportunities for Pukerewa StationIn partnership with the Ministry of Primary Industries & PerrinAg
This funding agreement, signed off today, marks the start of an exciting new phase for Pukerewa Station, with work set to roll out from March 2026. In partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries and PerrinAg, the project focuses on setting the station up for long-term success—lifting farm performance while strengthening environmental, cultural, and economic outcomes for the whenua.
The first step is understanding where things stand today. We’ll take a detailed look at soils, pasture, land classes, livestock systems, and the farm’s environmental footprint to build a clear baseline.
From there, we’ll explore future options. Using tools like Farmax and Overseer, we’ll model different farm systems and compare how they perform across productivity, profitability, greenhouse gas emissions, and water quality.
This process will be shaped alongside trustees and kaitiaki, ensuring the direction reflects shared goals and values. Together, we’ll develop a practical transition plan for FY27, outlining what changes are needed, where to invest, and how to move forward.
Mapping will play a key role, helping visualise soils, slopes, erosion risks, and potential land-use changes. This will also identify areas for retirement, whenua management, and protection of wāhi tapu, guided by hui with kaitiaki.
All findings will come together in a final report, providing clear recommendations and pathways to support a low-emissions, sustainable future for Pukerewa Station.
Key outputs will include detailed farm maps, system modelling comparisons, a clear FY27 transition plan, and a final report outlining actions for long-term growth and emissions reduction.
Greenlea Premier Meats
In February 2025, we were delighted to host Greenlea representatives at Pukerewa for a meet and greet and farm tour. That visit offered a great opportunity to connect, exchange perspectives, and explore ideas for a collaborative farming partnership. Since then, that relationship has grown into a strategic grazing agreement, where Pukerewa raises and finishes cattle through to the R3 stage. Each season's group follows a steady progression from the previous one, with close collaboration ensuring herd health, performance, and quality remain at a high standard.
BYL Livestock
In October 2024, we welcomed BYL Livestock to a meet-and-greet and guided tour of the property. The visit provided the opportunity to explore a strategic collaboration supported by investor backing. The proposed partnership would combine Pukerewa’s pasture management with BYL’s livestock trading expertise to purchase and graze calves under a joint growth model. Once completed, the venture is expected to deliver a solid profit share to Pukerewa when the calves are finished as R3s.Established in 1995, BYL Livestock is a Cambridge-based livestock trading and brokerage business operating nationwide.
Our farm has recently joined as a registered supplier, and TK Meats has already bought our first line of prime lambs through the program. Being part of the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Standard fits in nicely with our values - focusing on good stockmanship, calm handling, and raising quality lambs with care.
ANZCO FoodsUpfront stock without capital outlay lets Pukerewa use pasture efficiently for revenue via finishing fees. Premium program boosts market value through certified antibiotic-free, grass-fed status, aiding compliance and branding. ANZCO covers transport and provides specs/support, reducing some risks while locking in volumes for steady income.
ANZCO is a major New Zealand company specialising in the production, processing, and export of beef and lamb products. The company was founded in 1984 and has grown to become one of New Zealand's largest exporters, with extensive global market reach.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to enhance farm productivity without the financial burden of upfront capital costs.” – Wiremu Taipari, 2025
Growing Future Farmers We believe in growing strong leaders right here at home. We are committed to supporting our people to step up into management and leadership roles within the farming industry, focusing on continuous learning and development opportunities. When our people grow, so does Pukerewa - and that benefits everyone involved.
Hayward is a young Māori student from a close-knit rural whānau who grew up helping on the family farm in Taumarunui. After finishing secondary school, he chose to take up the growing future farmers training programme.
Enthusiastic and self-motivated, Hayward is eager to gain a wide range of hands-on experience while continuing his academic studies through the cadetship programme. From stock handling and fencing to feed planning and animal health, every week brings new opportunities to learn.
He says the highlight so far has been the camaraderie among the team. The good humour, supportive leadership, and strong sense of shared purpose have created an environment where he feels valued and encouraged to grow. The farm manager, peers and mentors have helped him build confidence, aim high, and stay grounded in tikanga values while developing his skills for a future career in farming.
“…I’m just starting out on this journey, every day feels like a new chance to learn something real and hands-on. It’s not always easy - early mornings and hard work can be tough - but being out here on the farm, seeing how everything comes together, makes it all worth it. I’m keen to get stuck in, soak up all the skills I can, and prove that with some grit and good mates around, I can build a proper future in farming. For me, it’s about more than just the job; it’s about being part of something bigger - caring for the land and animals, and growing into someone who can really make a difference in my community. This training programme is teaching me what it means to really work hard, listen, and earn my place on the team. I’m excited to see how far I can go…” - Hayward Vanstone, 1st Year Cadet, 2025
West Waikato Coastal Community Catchment Group Inc
[Pending Approval]
