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Coby Warmington announced as Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award winner

26 June 2025

The shock was evident on the face of Coby Warmington as he was announced the winner of the 2025 Young Māori Farmer Award for Sheep and Beef at the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy, taking the opportunity to thank the award sponsors including Primary ITO.

Coby with award sponsors including Primary ITO Executive Director, Andrea Leslie

The announcement was made in front of 800 people at the Ahuwhenua Trophy awards dinner in Palmerston North on 6 June, celebrating excellence in Māori farming. Attendees included government ministers, representatives of central and local government, and senior agribusiness leaders.

Primary ITO Executive Director Andrea Leslie took to the stage with the other sponsors to congratulate the three finalists: Coby Warmington (Te Mahurehure, Ngāpuhi), Farm Manager at Waima Topu Beef Ltd; Grace Watson (Whakatohea), Shephard General for Wendy and Reon Verry of Verry Farming Ltd, and Puhirere Tau (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Porou), Head Shepherd at Puatai Station.

An emotional Coby took a moment to compose himself before acknowledging his whānau, fellow finalists, the award sponsors, and the support he has received along the way. In a brief extract from his acceptance speech, Coby said:

“I’m receiving this award on behalf of my whānau and my ancestors, as my success reflects the aroha and tautoko I have received from them throughout my upbringing and over my career.  

“When I entered this competition, I was looking to push myself and to broaden my comfort zone and that is exactly what happened. I was challenged mentally and socially and believe it has made me a better farmer and person as a result.

“I’m thankful to have been introduced to many Māori leaders in the industry who openly shared their knowledge and experience. To Puhi and Grace, you are obviously great farmers and even better people … you are amazing young Māori leaders.”

Coby with finalists, Grace Watson and Puhirere Tau

The Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award aims to recognise and develop the capability of young Māori leaders in dairy, sheep and beef, and horticulture, rotating between the three sectors in a three-year cycle.

Primary ITO’s association with the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award goes back to its inception, when the idea of an award celebrating young Māori farmers was first put forward by the late Hon Parekura Horomia. The award was introduced in 2012, and Primary ITO has been a proud sponsor since, alongside Te Tumu Paeroa, Te Puni Kōkiri and Beef+Lamb NZ.

Matiu Julian, award judge and Primary ITO Māori Engagement Manager, says it is never easy to judge the competition, with such worthy finalists. 

“Coby is an outstanding young man who will continue to grow and uphold the mana of the Ahuwhenua kaupapa to advance and lead within and for the Māori agribusiness sector.

“It was a great night full of emotion, hugs and tears, with Rangitāne (Manawatū) hosting us. The whole competition is about personal development and we take the finalists into new spaces, where they get to meet a whole new whānau who enable them to grow, connect and learn”

Members of the Primary ITO team had the privilege of attending the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards

Matiu has made a tremendous contribution to the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award since he started at Primary ITO in 2018. His involvement in this year’s awards held extra special significance, as he departs Primary ITO to take up new opportunities in the primary sector.

During the week leading up to the big announcement, the three finalists took part in a study tour run by the award sponsors. This included experiencing a range of workshops, visiting industry businesses, meeting senior Māori leaders, and learning about the local iwi history, with opportunities to develop and practice public speaking skills.

As part of the awards presentation, the three finalists were also presented with a $5000 scholarship that can be used to further develop their careers.

Primary ITO Training Adviser Nikki Purua attended the event with her hubby Ben Purua, the 2024 Young Māori Farmer (Dairy).  Nikki says this year’s finalists aren't just thriving in their roles, they are actively shaping the future of Māori agriculture.

“The energy, laughter, and whakawhanaungatanga shared among the finalists was a real highlight. It wasn’t just a competition, it was a celebration of identity, growth, and legacy. Watching these young leaders take their place on stage was genuinely inspiring.”

The other major announcement at the Ahuwhenua Awards was the Ahuwhenua Trophy winner for the top Māori sheep and beef farm: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, with their state-of-the-art bull fattening farm near Whangārei.

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