Our Story
The Horticulture industry in Aotearoa is set to grow exponentially, within which the fast-emerging Māori share is expected to increase rapidly over the coming decade. Māori entities have large areas of land to support horticulture development and expansion and are
increasingly participating in the horticulture sector. However, there was no real avenue for Māori horticulture and to produce aspirations to flourish collectively. Therefore, Tāngata Huawhenua – Māori Horticulture Council was established to advocate on behalf of Māori, based on understanding their needs.
Tāngata Huawhenua is the first step to a platform for collaboration and advocacy in a currently fragmented or singular focused environment (e.g. just kiwifruit). As a multi-layered flora, fruit and produce platform Tāngata Huawhenua includes Māori taonga species, fruit, emerging fruits & nuts, hemp, hops, medicinal cannabis, and vegetables. It also looks beyond production to value chain interests; from plant varietal development & rights, breeding programmes, extracts and ingredients supply into various industries. Through working together we can collectively expand and contribute to accessing new markets and growing the Māori-led sector through cooperation and economies of scale.
Purpose
Our purpose is to:
- increase influence as a result of a collective and cohesive approach, including advocacy, investment and collaboration.
- pursue opportunities in the pre-value chain and in the value chain, including intellectual property, innovation, research and development.
- positively impact on our landowners, communities and stakeholders.
We will do this through our annual work plan which covers our four strategic pou (pillars):
1. Core Operations & Membership
This pou focuses on the effective operation of Tāngata Huawhenua and the growth and support of its membership base. It includes maintaining strong relationships with members, ensuring good governance and administration, and delivering on the day-to-day functions that enable the collective to thrive. A key priority is to create value for members through clear communication, responsiveness, and inclusive practices that reflect our shared kaupapa.
2. Voice & Advocacy
This pou ensures Tāngata Huawhenua is a strong and credible voice for Māori in the hort sector. It includes engaging with Government at relevant levels, responding to submissions on issues of importance, and influencing policy and regulatory settings. It leverages strategic relationships with organisations and engages external expertise where needed. It also involves producing member-informed insights to strengthen advocacy and support evidence-based decision-making.
3. Opportunities
This pou recognises the importance of identifying and enabling opportunities that support the growth and success of members. It includes creating spaces for collaboration, sharing of information and lived experiences, and supporting collective approaches to investment, innovation, research, and development. Tāngata Huawhenua acts as a connector and enabler—bringing together people, ideas, and resources to support Māori-led horticultural advancement.
4. Capability
This pou focuses on building the capability of our members to achieve their aspirations. Initial efforts are directed at strengthening governance capability across the membership, including trustee and board-level roles. Over time, the pou will expand to support wider workforce development and succession planning. Supporting our members to grow their skills, confidence, and leadership will help ensure a resilient and thriving Māori horticulture sector.
The Opportunity
Just as important is to positively impact on our landowners, communities and stakeholders. This can all be done through the expression of our foundational principles, starting with Tino Rangatiratanga, Mātauranga Māori and Tikanga.
Māori activity in Horticulture/ Produce is substantive and continues to grow, there is the opportunity to increase influence as a result through a collective and cohesive approach, be it advocacy, investment and collaboration.
That cohesiveness enables pursing of opportunities in the pre-value chain and in the value chain more likely than if we work alone, including intellectual property, innovation, research, product development and channels to markets.
Our Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of Tāngata Huawhenua – Māori Horticulture Council comprises experienced leaders from across Aotearoa, united in their commitment to advancing Māori interests in horticulture. Drawing from diverse backgrounds in governance, agribusiness, and community development, these individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and a shared vision for sustainable growth. Their collective expertise ensures that Tāngata Huawhenua remains a strong advocate for Māori, fostering collaboration, innovation, and capability-building within the sector. Together, they guide the Council’s strategic direction, ensuring that Māori voices are central to the evolution of New Zealand’s horticultural landscape.
Neil Te Kani
Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui me Ngāti Pūkenga
Ratahi Cross
Ngāi Te Rangi
Manu Caddie
Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Hauā and Ngāti Whare
Moerangi Vercoe
Te Arawa, Tapuika, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa, Raukawa ki te Tonga
Hemi Wheeler
Te Ātiawa
