Ballance

2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards Winners

Congratulations to Michelle and Tony Roberts of Merino Downs in Southland, who are the 2026 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy.

Ballance Farm Environment Awards

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) is an annual awards programme run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust. The Awards celebrate farmer and grower achievement and showcase good practice, enabling the sharing of positive farming and growing stories with all audiences.

Being part of the awards programme is a positive way to receive feedback on your business, help identify your strengths and learn from others who are passionate about the food and fibre sector.

BFEA National Ambassador 2026

The 2026 BFEA Regional Supreme Winners

Northland Regional Supreme Winner

Alan Dobbie of Wiroa Horticulture has been named the Northland Regional Supreme Winner at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for transforming a former dairy farm into a highly productive kiwifruit orchard.

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Horizons Regional Supreme Winners

Te Hou Farms is setting a gold standard in large-scale dairy farming, driven by strategic expansion and the outstanding expertise of managers Jarred and Bronwyn Clode. The 1,324ha (1,200ha effective) property is two-thirds owned by Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa Developments Limited, in partnership with Ātihau Whanganui Incorporation.

Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners

Charles Russell and Tom Heeney of Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective located in TePuke have been named the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for building a large-scale kiwifruit operation grounded in cultural values, environmental stewardship and strong commercial performance.

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Canterbury Regional Supreme Winners

At Castle Ridge Station, Paul and Kerry Harmer are proving that dedication to land stewardship and environmental innovation can thrive, even in a sensitive high-country environment. Their breeding operation – which produces high-quality Merino wool, sheep, cattle and deer – is built on a commitment to reducing the property’s environmental footprint while maintaining a profitable business for future generations.

Auckland Regional Supreme Winners

Donald and Kirsten Watson of Morelands Pastoral located in Helensville have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for transforming their farm into a high-efficiency, technology-driven operation that delivers strong production alongside environmental and community outcomes.

East Coast Regional Supreme Winners

Jamie and Nicky Gaddum of Matangi Station have been named the East Coast Regional Supreme Winner at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for building a fully integrated, future-focused farming business that places the consumer at the centre of its strategy.

Greater Wellington Regional Supreme Winners

Clarence and Elise Stolte have farmed the 387ha (360ha effective) farm for 18 years, progressing from farm managers to sole owners through a strategic partnership. They’re guided by three key focuses that have ultimately led to constant improvements in both productivity and profitability, coupled with an increasing dedication to the health and beauty of their natural environment.

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Waikato Regional Supreme Winners

Succession planning has been central to the evolution of this 660ha West Waikato sheep and beef farm. Now in its third generation of Sherlock family ownership, Otorohaea Ltd is jointly owned by Rory and Sue Sherlock’s children. Today it is managed by Jon and Fiona Sherlock who are continuing to guide the business into a more sustainable and resilient future.

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Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners

Since purchasing this family property in 2003, Philip and Lyneyre Hooper have undertaken a remarkable transformation, turning a traditional sheep and beef unit into a precision dairy grazing operation. There is also a strong commitment to protecting the natural environment at this 144ha (90ha effective) property which is situated against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Taranaki.

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Southland Regional Supreme Winners

Since 2017, this Southland farm has undergone a significant transformation, with the family behind it turning two adjacent properties into a specialised dual-system operation. After buying two adjacent properties that have a combined total area of 269ha (240ha), Michelle & Tony Roberts developed half into a high-performing deer unit that provides most of their income through the production of velvet and trophy bucks. Meanwhile, the other half is used for intensive dairy heifer grazing, along with running a small amount of beef cattle.

Otago Regional Supreme Winners

For nearly a century, the Kane family has farmed this 668ha (580ha effective) property, with today’s modern strategy reflected by significant evolution and precision. Luke and Nicole Kane have successfully navigated the complexities of family succession to pivot toward a high-performing dairy operation that remains grounded in its multi-generational roots.