On Friday night, Grace Rehu, a Leading Hand at T&G Global in Hawke’s Bay, won the 2023 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Award at the prestigious Awards.
The Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer and Grower Award, established in 2012, recognises and celebrates Māori excellence in Aotearoa, New Zealand’s agricultural sectors. Each year it alternates between dairy, sheep and beef, and horticulture. In 2023 it was for Māori horticultural growers.
Rehu was selected as a finalist in February, competing against two other strong wāhine through several field days and events.
“I’m honoured to be given this recognition and incredibly grateful to be part of this incredible competition,” said Rehu.
“When they called my name, I was stunned, and winning this award is a shared win with my other finalists, especially as it was the first time for all finalists to be wāhine toa.”
Rehu continued that participating in Ahuwhenua was an honour that challenged her to step outside her comfort zone, learn new things, and create friendships and strong bonds she knows she’ll keep throughout her life.
Rehu said that since she was young, she’s loved being outside and on the land. Rehu loves what she does at T&G and the opportunities it provides, and she has a passion for helping others pursue their dreams and explore a career in horticulture.
T&G Director Operations, Craig Betty, said the awards were a great way to showcase up-and-coming young Māori in Aotearoa’s horticulture sector.
Betty added that T&G was incredibly proud of Rehu and this achievement. He continued that over the last four years, T&G had seen her develop and grow into an incredible young leader.
“Her passion for the land and its fresh produce, and our people and industry is evident, and she’s a fantastic role model within our business and in the community. Grace has a great future ahead of her,” said Betty.
