Wairarapa Moana

31/08/2026

Wairarapa Moana was proud to be part of the Mangakino Job Expo on Friday, with HR Advisor Arianna Rolleston attending and hosting a stall to connect with local whānau, job seekers, future employees and to showcase the valuable mahi that we do.

The event was buzzing with activity, music, kai, prizes, and a free community sausage sizzle helping to bring people together, create space to see what is available and to ask questions from potential employers.

Arianna said: "the Job Expo was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Mangakino community, share information about the exciting mahi we do at Wairarapa Moana, and discuss future career opportunities. It was great to see so many people stop by for a kōrero and learn more about what we have to offer."

At Wairarapa Moana, we're committed to supporting local communities, creating employment opportunities, and helping grow pathways into meaningful mahi.

We look forward to connecting with more members of our community and supporting local employment pathways.

🌱

30/08/2026

Moe mai rā e te Pāpā ❤️

26/08/2026

🏆 Kaimahi Awards 2026 | Wairarapa Moana Values Award 🏆

The Wairarapa Moana Values Award recognises an individual who consistently embodies the values that guide us in our work, our relationships, and our commitment to our people and whenua.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do:

🌿 Tika | Integrity
Behaving in an open, honest, and respectful way while building trust.
🤝 Whanaungatanga | Communication
Encouraging accurate, informative, and timely communication at all levels.
💪 Rangatiratanga | Courage
Providing vision and leadership to achieve excellence for ourselves and Wairarapa Moana.
📚 Wānanga | Knowledge
Exploring, encouraging, and sharing knowledge across all areas of the business.
🧩 Kotahitanga | Working Together
Creating a collaborative environment where everyone is valued and takes pride in what we achieve together.

✨ Congratulations to our 2026 Wairarapa Moana Values Award recipient, Scott Kupa! ✨

Scott consistently leads by example and is highly approachable, generously sharing his knowledge and expertise with those around him. Since joining Wairarapa Moana, he has demonstrated high standards in his work, a strong commitment to supporting others, and a willingness to step up whenever needed.

Even during the busiest periods, Scott makes time to help his teammates, reflecting the true spirit of Kotahitanga and embodying the values that make Wairarapa Moana strong.

👏 Thank you, Scott, for your dedication, leadership, and the positive impact you have on our people and our business. This recognition is thoroughly deserved.

🏆🌿💚

25/08/2026

Mīharo rawa koutou o Te Kura o Kaharoa!!! We were proud to welcome Kaharoa School students to our farm last week as part of the Trees for Survival programme. After spending the past year nurturing around 1,000 native seedlings, the students planted them in areas that will help improve water quality, reduce erosion, and create habitat for native wildlife. A great day of learning, kaitiakitanga, and environmental stewardship in action. Ka mau te wehi 👌👌👌

'By planting on this site ... it’s providing habitat for the kōkako.'

25/08/2026

🏆 Kaimahi Awards 2026 | Te Aka Tōtara Award 🏆

The Te Aka Tōtara Award recognises an individual whose commitment to our shareholders and whānau reflects the values and vision of Wairarapa Moana:

🌱 To nurture our people, our place, our future.

This award celebrates those who lead through their actions, strengthen connections with whānau and shareholders, and embody the kaupapa that guides us forward.

SPONSORS:
A special thank you to the sponsors of this award, Wairarapa Moana, and to Sonya and Anne for presenting the award.

✨ Congratulations to our 2026 Te Aka Tōtara Award recipient, Mihaere Kirby! ✨

Mihaere's dedication, leadership, and commitment to the aspirations of Wairarapa Moana make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Through his contributions, he continues to uphold our values and help create a strong foundation for future generations.

🌿🏆💚

24/08/2026

🏆 Kaimahi Awards 2026 | Dairy Unit of the Year 🏆

A huge congratulations to FARM 4 our Dairy Unit of the Year Award recipient for 2026!

This award recognises outstanding performance across EBIT per hectare, EBIT per cow, and mating performance, taking into account both current year results and future year benefits.

SPONSORS:
A special thank you to our sponsors Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Super Air, our valued nutrient and fertiliser partners, for supporting this award.

🥇 Dairy Unit of the Year 2026 - Farm 4 An outstanding year for Farm 4, achieving the best results in EBIT/ha, 6-week in-calf rate, lowest net replacement cost per peak cow, and lowest somatic cell count. They also ranked second in adjusted EBIT/cow, feed
conversion efficiency, empty rate, and kg/ha nitrogen leached.

🥈 2nd Place - Farm 8 Farm 8 delivered exceptional results, taking out the top spot for cost of production, return on assets, feed conversion efficiency, and feed costs per kg MS. They also achieved second place in EBIT/ha, EBIT/cow, and staff turnover.

🥉 3rd Place - Farm 6 Farm 6 achieved Top 4 in EBIT/ha and was the best performer in EBIT/cow, GHG/kg MS, kg/ha nitrogen leaching, and staff turnover. They also placed second in cost of production, return on assets, feed costs per kg MS, and somatic cell count.

Adding to an already impressive record, Farm 4 has now won the Dairy Unit of the Year Award 6 out of the 9 years the award has been presented, demonstrating a remarkable level of consistency, excellence, and leadership over time.

More information about the kaimahi awards and Kim Turner, manager of Farm 4 will be included in the Septemer Mailer. So keep an eye out for it.

👏 Congratulations to all three farms for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence. Your dedication, innovation, and hard work continue to set the benchmark for our farming operations and contribute to the success of Wairarapa Moana.

🐄🌿🏆

21/08/2026

🏆 2026 Dairy Support Unit of the Year Award 🏆

A huge congratulations to Scott and the Kaharoa team, winners of the 2026 Dairy Support Unit of the Year Award at this year's Kaimahi Awards.

This award recognises consistent excellence across key areas of performance, including mating results, liveweight gain, and financial performance.

Scott has delivered an exceptional overall business performance at Kaharoa, driven by strong livestock financial results, outstanding reproductive performance, and impressive average daily weight gains across all animal groups. His ability to consistently achieve operational and financial success regardless of seasonal challenges, is a testament to his skill, dedication, and leadership.

Scott is highly regarded as a self-sufficient manager who continually strives for excellence and delivers outstanding results.

SPONSOR:
A big thank you also to Pro-Ag Contracting, sponsors of this award and one of our valued silage and maize contracting partners.

20/08/2026

🏆 Kaimahi Awards 2026 | Te Ara Miraka Award 🏆

Congratulations to the winners of the Te Ara Miraka Award 2026: Farms 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 12! 👏🥛🎉

This award recognises farms that have achieved the outstanding milestone of 100 points through the Te Ara Miraka programme.

This season has presented its fair share of challenges, and with the programme no longer being run by Miraka, the WMI team, led by Jo Back, successfully brought Te Ara Miraka in-house. The transition has been well received, with strong engagement and a shared commitment from Jo's team, Operations, and Farm Managers to maintain and exceed the high standards set in previous years.

The achievement of Farms 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 12 reflects the dedication, hard work, and commitment of everyone involved. Reaching 100 points is no small feat, and these teams should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.

SPONSOR:
A special thank you to Piako Tractors, sponsor of this award. Piako provides and maintains our tractors and machinery, including our Massey Ferguson tractors and feed wagons, helping to keep our farming operations running smoothly.

Please join us in congratulating these farms on their outstanding achievement! 👏💙🌿

🏆🥛🚜

19/08/2026

🏆 Kaimahi Awards 2026 | Mahi Kapa Nui Award – Great Team Work Award 🏆

Congratulations to our Mahi Kapa Nui Award winners for 2026, the WMI Maintenance Team – Gavin, Anorska, and Pieter Nortje! 👏🎉

This award recognises the team that best demonstrates how their efforts benefit the wider organisation beyond their own team responsibilities.

Our Maintenance Team has gone above and beyond throughout the year, providing outstanding support across WMI. Whether it's responding to issues, lending a hand where needed, or helping keep operations running smoothly, they are always willing to help. Their positive attitude, strong communication, and commitment to showing care and respect make them an invaluable part of the Wairarapa Moana whānau.

SPONSOR:
A special thank you to JD's Rural Tyres, sponsor of this award. Jamie and his team work efficiently to ensure breakdowns and repairs are completed quickly and without delay, helping keep our operations moving.

Please join us in celebrating Gavin, Anorska, and Pieter on this well-deserved achievement! 👏💙

🌿🏆👏🏽

18/08/2026

🏆 Kaimahi Awards 2026 | Extra Mile Award 🏆

Congratulations to Quintin Skudder, the winner of our Extra Mile Award for 2026! 👏🎉

This award recognises an individual who consistently goes above and beyond expectations to get the job done, stepping up when and where they're needed most.

Quintin has demonstrated this time and time again, supporting other farms when they have been short-staffed, including assisting Farm 14 with milking for several weeks. He has also taken on additional responsibilities to trial new pasture management systems such as Aimer and FarmIQ, always willing to put in the extra effort for the benefit of WMI and the wider team.

A special mention also goes to our runner-up, Ravi Maddage Don, for their dedication and contribution throughout the year. 👏

SPONSOR:
Thank you to Huka Honda, sponsor of the Extra Mile Award and one of our valued motorbike providers and servicing contractors.

Please join us in congratulating Quintin on this well-deserved achievement and thanking both Quintin and Ravi for their commitment to Wairarapa Moana. 💙

🚜👏🏽✨