ahuwhenua award finalist 2026 

We’re proud to share that Otama Marere Trust has been named a finalist in the Ahuwhenua Trophy – Māori Excellence in horticulture Award. The Ahuwhenua Trophy is Aotearoa’s most prestigious award recognizing outstanding Māori horticulture businesses, celebrating excellence in governance, sustainable land management, and long-term benefits for whānau and future generations.

For our Trust, this recognition reflects the collective effort of our trustees, owners, orchard team, and partners who continue to care for our whenua and grow a strong and sustainable operation. It also honors the legacy of our tūpuna whose stewardship and vision laid the foundations for the Trust today.

Otama Marere Trust manages 45 hectares of Māori freehold land at Paengaroa, including conventional and organic kiwifruit, avocados, native gullies of kauri and mānuka, and protected wetlands under a Ngā Whenua Rāhui Kawenata.

Being named a finalist is a proud moment for our whānau and a reminder of the importance of looking after our whenua while continuing to build opportunities for future generations.

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Purchase of 4 brook st​

Otama Marere has purchased a property at 4 Brook Street, Tauranga as part of its ongoing investment strategy. This acquisition strengthens the trust’s asset base, provides diversification within our portfolio, and is expected to deliver a stable return for the trust.
The investment reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of trust assets and supporting long-term benefits for our whānau and future generations.

​Koura Project at the otama Marere Wetlands

Since 2015, Otama Marere has been developing its wetlands with the support of Nga Whenua Rāhui and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. What was once a low-lying grazing runoff area at the rear of the orchard—prone to regular flooding—has gradually been transformed into a restored wetland environment that aligns with the tikanga of our whenua.
As part of this work, more than 4,000 native plants have been established throughout the wetland areas, helping to restore the natural habitat and improve the health of the waterways.
We are now looking toward the next stage of this restoration with the introduction of koura (freshwater crayfish) into parts of the wetland system. This project is not intended to be a commercial venture, but rather a way to support the return of taonga species to the Otama Marere wetlands and help rebuild a healthy, balanced ecosystem. 

Education grants are now open​

​Applications for the Otama Marere Tertiary Education Grants are now open. These grants are available to Otama Marere owners and their descendants who are undertaking tertiary study.
If you or someone in your whānau is currently studying at university, wānanga, polytechnic, or another tertiary provider, we encourage you to apply.
Applications are open from 1 December 2025 and close at 5:00pm on 30 May 2026, so make sure to get your application in before the deadline.
​Application forms and further details are available below.