Te Puke kiwifruit growers Blair Dyer and Steve Atkinson have won the Regional Supreme Award at the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Tauranga.

Blair Dyer and Steve Atkinson of Kiwi Heights took out the top honour at the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards this afternoon in Tauranga.

The Atkinson family has owned the property for more than 50 years, first planting kiwifruit vines in 2006.

Since 2020, third-generation farmer Blair Dyer has managed the kiwifruit crop, working closely with the Atkinsons to expand the orchard while preserving the property’s natural environment.

The 190.6-hectare farm, with 145 hectares of effective land, features 27.2 hectares of kiwifruit orchards.

Young stock are grazed across 167 hectares, which includes 5.5 hectares of mature forestry and 7.83 hectares of native plants to offset greenhouse gas emissions.

A small number of livestock are also raised for dairy units in the Waikato.

Dyer and Atkinson have taken significant steps to develop kiwifruit orchards while protecting the natural environment.

They have planted kiwifruit on the tops of hills, while keeping marginal land for native plants or low-impact dry stock grazing.

Judges noted that careful planning and site selection have minimised nutrient runoff, soil biology disturbance and topsoil loss.

Strategic native tree planting is stabilising steep slopes and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, further enhancing the farm’s ecological footprint.

Dyer uses advanced technology to precisely target water and fertiliser, reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.

He is also trialling drone technology to spot-spray weeds rather than blanket spraying, reducing chemical use and protecting the ecosystem.

Judges were impressed by the duo’s holistic approach, which integrates strong management practices with environmental care.

“Kiwi Heights exemplifies a successful business that genuinely cares for the environment, the wellbeing of their people, and long-term sustainability,” said the judges.

“They are not afraid to adopt technology early, leveraging it to enhance efficiency and drive innovation,” they said.

Dyer and Atkinson also won several category awards:

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards, organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, celebrate sustainable farming and growing practices.

Dyer and Atkinson will now compete against winners from ten other regions for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the Trust’s National Showcase in Wellington in June.

The Gordon Stephenson Trophy winner will become the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.