Otama Marere Trust

2026 Horticulture Finalists

Otama Marere Trust

Field day: Thursday 2 April – Paengaroa

Otama Marere takes its name from the pā site once occupied by Rangiiwaho and his whānau. Our connection to this whenua is grounded in whakapapa – these are the lands of Rangiiwaho, and through him, they are ours.

Historically, Otama Marere was an overnight resting place for travellers journeying along the Kaituna River by canoe before continuing inland on established walking tracks. The surrounding wetlands were rich with tuna and watercress, while the fertile land – some of which is now orchard – sustained crops such as kūmara, kamokamo, and other vegetables.

Our tūpuna lived in balance with their environment, guided by tikanga specific to each season. Birds, plants, and fisheries were harvested carefully to ensure resources were never depleted. This approach created a resilient and sustainable way of life, based on diversity rather than reliance on a single food source. Through nurturing Otama Marere, our ancestors safeguarded the wellbeing and prosperity of the hapū.

The earliest Māori Land Court survey record for Otama Marere’s original title, Paengaroa North A3 Section 2, dates to March 1890. On 1 July 2014, Whakawhiti and Otama Marere were amalgamated to form Paengaroa North A5 – a 45.0144 hectare block of Māori freehold land. The Trust operates under wide powers as an Ahu Whenua Trust, established in 1979 and updated over time to the current comprehensive deed of 2022.

The land was leased for a 60-year term to Te Puke Golf Club before orchard development began in the 1980s, supported by Māori Affairs. Under the leadership of Sir Peter Tapsell, early plantings included nashi pears and sweetcorn before kiwifruit was identified as the most viable long-term option.

Development continued through Māori Affairs in partnership with the Labour Department’s PEP programme. Notably, the entire development crew consisted of women who constructed pergolas, drove posts, and installed wiring across the orchard. By 1990, development debt had reached $1.4 million. Following negotiations, this was reduced to $50,000 and subsequently cleared when Huia Tapsell, then managing the orchard, sold the tractor and established a new lease and profit-share arrangement with Seeka.

Many of our owners maintain deep personal connections to Otama Marere, remembering time spent working the orchard in their younger years. Strengthening these intergenerational ties remains a priority for the Trust through orchard tours, employment opportunities, and planned whānau events.

We value our long-standing partnership with Seeka and are proud to have Homman Tapsell, an Owner and Advisory Trustee, managing the orchard. Our journey is one of resilience, stewardship, and foresight – a legacy that continues as we care for our whenua and people.

Our values guide every decision we make: • Whanaungatanga • Manaakitanga • Kotahitanga • Pononga • Mātauranga • Kaitiakitanga • Wairua

Beyond orchard operations, the Trust is actively diversifying its investment portfolio. Recent investments include the acquisition of a commercial property in a high-demand industrial hub in Tauranga, delivering strong returns. We are also exploring commercial partnerships with other Māori entities that align with our values and long-term vision.

Our branding reflects who we are. Designed by a whānau member, our logo embodies the Trust’s values and whakapapa: • The bi-directional form symbolises connection and unity • The spiral reflects the creation story • The two hands represent our wairua and commitment to nurturing the land

The composition of our Board further reflects our commitment to diversity and capability. Our Trustees bring a wide range of skills, experiences, ages, and perspectives, united by a shared passion for Māori development. This diversity strengthens governance and equips the Trust to respond to future economic, environmental, biosecurity, climate, and crop health challenges.

Today, Otama Marere Trust’s land use comprises:

• Kiwifruit Conventional: Hayward (HW) - 11.87 hectares, Sungold G3 - 2.21 hectares
• Kiwifruit Organics: Sungold G3 – 7.08 hectares
• Avocados: Gem - 2.1 hectares
• Kauri & Manuka: All Gullies - 2.5 hectares
• Wetlands: Ngā Whenua Rahui Kawenata - 6.3 hectares

The Trust continues to uphold the legacy of kaitiakitanga, honouring our tūpuna while building a strong and sustainable future. We are committed to diversifying our enterprises, restoring and protecting our wetlands, planting harvestable crops, and growing our asset base for future generations.

Key Contact: Fleur Tahata, Client Manager: Fleur.Tahata@pgtrust.co.nz / 027 232 1137