All-round excellence in sustainability has earned Andy and Gemma Phillips of Motumatai the Regional Supreme Award at the Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Motumatai has been in Gemma’s family since 1914, with the couple farming the property since 2009.
Since purchasing the sheep and beef farm in 2017, they have focused on lifting livestock production and enhancing the property’s natural beauty.
In addition to Motumatai, Gemma and Andy lease three other properties, bringing their total farming area to 1365 hectares (1185ha effective). The sheep and beef, breeding and finishing operation runs about 500 cattle and almost 6500 sheep.
Decision-making is guided by a vision to farm in a way that is both financially and environmentally sustainable. Soil and pastures are carefully managed, pests and predators are actively controlled, and waterways are protected by substantial fencing.
There’s a strong focus on people and creating a culture that is both inclusive and supportive, with the couple mentoring new staff to help them work toward owning their own businesses.
Andy and Gemma have planted trees across the property for many years, with the farm now boasting significant areas of established native habitats. Teaming up with two other local families, the couple have established a commercial native plant nursery, with many of those trees being planted at Motumatai.
In awarding the Regional Supreme Award, the judges noted that Andy and Gemma have founded a business that excels in all aspects of sustainability.
“Their farm systems are carefully aligned with the diverse physical resources available, and they prioritise continual improvement in environmental sustainability.
“Central to their business ethos is a distinctive approach to involving people for mutually beneficial outcomes, along with a dedication to mentoring and contributing to the community, catchment and industry.
“Additionally, the business demonstrates strong financial performance when benchmarked against comparable enterprises. This enables further investment in on-farm projects, expansion of the nursery, and the creation of future opportunities for both the family and the farm team.”
Gemma and Andy also won the following awards:
• Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
• Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award
• NZFET Climate Recognition Award
Other Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Award winners include:
Harry, Tim and Kate Gibbs — Stanmore Farm, Te Horo
• Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
• Hill Labs Agri-Science Award
• Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
Michael Grace and Guy & Carolyn Parkinson — Terawhiti Station, Makara
• NZFET Innovation Award
• NZFET Biodiversity Award
Jason Christensen — Fernhill, Masterton
• DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
• Greater Wellington Regional Council Award
Scott & Ana Gudsell — Ngahau Trust, Pirinoa
• Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
Stan & Jenny Braaksma — Motuiti, Masterton
• Greater Wellington BFEA Lifestyle Award
John & Nancy Keating — Domus Arborum, Carterton
• Greater Wellington BFEA Lifestyle Highly Commended
