Judges

2026 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower Judges

Sam Vivian-Greer - Lead Judge

Sam has over 10 years of farming experience before shifting into farm consultancy, and currently leads the Whenua Services team at Te Tumu Paeroa. Te Tumu Paeroa administers 78,000 ha of Māori-owned land across multiple land uses including dry stock, dairy, forestry, and horticulture.

Sam’s role consists of supervising the operational farming and horticultural entities that are administered by Te Tumu Paeroa, engaging with various primary industry bodies as the Māori Trustees representative, and assisting the wider organisation with any rural matters arising.

Passionate about the development and progression of young people across primary sectors, Sam has been involved with a range of capability development initiatives including professional development groups and other farming competitions for young farmers.

Erin Simpson

Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Ngāti Tawhirikura

Erin Simpson is a horticulture leader with decades of hands‑on industry experience across orchard operations, post‑harvest management, grower advocacy, and sector governance. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand horticulture, grounded in practical knowledge and regional experience. Erin lives with his family on their mixed fruit farm in Hawke’s Bay, maintaining a strong connection to land, community, and whakapapa.

Peter MacGregor

Ngati Kahungunu; Atihaunui a Papaarangi; Ngati Raukawa; Maniapoto/Rereahu; Rangitane; Ngati Apa and Ngati Paoa.

Peter MacGregor is the former Manager of the Te Kauta team of Primary ITO, and was instrumental in helping establish the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer and Grower Award in 2012. He is a former judge of the senior Ahuwhenua Trophy competition and has held a number of positions in housing, employment and training and land development in the former Department of Maori Affairs / Te Puni Kōkiri and the Iwi Transition Agency. He is currently a Project Manager at Ngāti Pahauwera Development Trust.