TAPS Projects

TAPS is currently undertaking a number of projects to trial new initiatives and improve performance of member farms.

Manuka Feasibility Project

TAPS, in partnership with SCION, has recently worked through a Manuka Feasibility project exploring the potential of plantation manuka for honey and oil on eight TAPS member blocks. The study consisted of block analysis and economic modelling of the blocks coupled with an analysis of the business issues and markets associated with establishing a group supply of honey and oil.

The project was funded by Te Puni Kokiri Whenua Maori Fund.

BOPRC - Low-N Land Use Guide

This 2017 project was funded by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Low N Fund with the aim being to produce a online and hardcopy directory of alternative land use options, including low nitrogen options, which could be available to all farmers and landowners in the Lake Rotorua catchment.

The Rotorua Land Use Guide provides information about alternative land uses and covers 18 different land use options in pastoral agriculture, floriculture, forestry and horticulture along with relevant planning and business issues for each such as establishment costs, production system management requirements and estimated revenue streams.

The Rotorua Land Use Guide website and directory were launched on Monday 4 December 2017 and is available here.

TPK Iwi Resource Development Platform

TAPS has completed a project to develop a prototype Iwi Resource Development Platform to assist Te Arawa entities to collaborate on joint investment development initiatives that will improve the utilisation of Te Arawa land and provide opportunities for Te Arawa hapū and whānau.

The Platform is based on a Geographic Information System (GIS) database that will incorporate demographic, cultural and regional infrastructure information and hold a description of all land assets owned collectively by Te Arawa entities (trusts, incorporations and PSGEs) within the Te Arawa rohe pōtae boundary.

MPI SFF Tuhono Whenua Benchmarking project

This Tuhono Whenua National Benchmarking Project was run in partnership with AgFirst, FoMA National Office, Te Tumu Paeroa and carried out on a number farm blocks under the Taumata Group, Potikirua ki Whangaokena (PkW), and TAPS.

The project aimed to set up a national database to store data on each of the farms performance measures and that is accessible by each of the farms. By comparing the data, measures and structures can be implemented that will lift any performance or operational deficiencies.

DairyNZ invited TAPS to pilot whole farm assessments (WFA)

Four TAPS organisations have been invited to participate in this project, which entails a full assessment of the business operation carried out by MPI.

The result is an ‘operational farming report’ that identifies any strengths or weaknesses within the business from operational methods to accountancy and governance structures to see if any measures can be introduced to improve performance.

Primary ITO trialling governance and management courses with TAPS members

A strategic partnership has been formed between TAPS and the Primary Industry Training Organisation (PITO - formerly AgITO) to develop governance, management, and training courses for TAPS members.

The first stage of the project entails an analysis of what training courses are required and in which specific areas. From there, courses will be developed that are structured to meet the needs of the clients.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is rolling out this initiative in conjunction with the TAPS organisations. The project is part of the new training initiative Te Kauta that seeks to address issues of training deficiencies within the Maori agribusiness sector.

Te Ao Maori Governance programme is one of those initiatives that will target issues at management and governance levels.

Other Projects

Through its networks, TAPS is always looking for new initiatives, projects and opportunities which would be of benefit to its members.