At E Tipu, horticulture is more than a business. It’s about helping people, caring for the land, and creating lasting opportunities for our region.

Haumako is our special team for horticultural investments. It aims to change how we use our land. We want to create real and lasting value for our hapū, iwi, and community.

Our Orchards – Where the Work Begins

We operate two orchards in the Wairoa region.

Tara Orchard spans 18 hectares and is fully planted with premium apples through a joint venture with Ohuia Incorporation.

Whakapau Orchard is a 109-hectare site. It has changed from traditional farming to a high-value horticulture hub. Now, it has 30 hectares of Envy™ apples, and that number is growing.

But this isn’t just about apples. It’s about what they represent: jobs, skills, and futures for our people.

Growing Skills Through Cadetship

Our horticulture cadetship programme is at the heart of Haumako. It's not just about learning how to grow crops — it's about building careers.

This program has already helped young people from our area take on leadership roles in our orchards. It shows what can happen when you mix training with real-life chances.

Our cadets get hands-on experience in the orchard life cycle. They are supported by mentors who know the land and the people.

Sustainable Growth for Our Rohe

Haumako’s vision goes well beyond planting and harvesting. We view horticulture as a way to change the region. Here, the land is cared for, young people are empowered, and Te Wairoa leads the food economy in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.

Every apple we grow, every career we support, and every hectare we develop is part of a bigger goal. This goal is to build a future that is locally rooted and globally connected.

Our Commitment to Tikanga and Kaitiakitanga

Our mahi is guided by tikanga Māori. We respect the land, honour our heritage, and feel a strong duty to protect our environment for future generations.

Why It Matters

In a world facing climate change, food insecurity, and rising youth unemployment, we believe the answers lie in our backyard. Through Haumako, we are using what’s ours — our land, our people, our knowledge — to build a better future.

Nau mai, haere mai – Welcome to Haumako Horticulture