The Country | Jamie and Nicky Gaddum of Matangi Station win East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards 2026

The Country - 19th March 2026

Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards celebrate excellence in sustainable farming and growing.

Judges described Matangi Station as “a future-focused business” that used a collaborative approach to open up and grow the high-end beef and lamb market in New Zealand.

They said the station produced “a quality product that is a great advertisement for New Zealand primary producers”.

The judging panel praised the business as a fully integrated operation – from showcase farm through to shop front – with marketing that tells a compelling sustainable farming story.

They highlighted the excellent combination of farm and people resource management, and a well-considered business plan with strong growth capacity.

Matangi Prime Meat was founded in 2016, aiming to produce the best grass-fed Angus beef in New Zealand for New Zealanders.

Beginning with elite eating-quality genetics, the business has refined on-farm systems to ensure consistent growth rates and premium marbling.

Today, the operation runs 260 breeding cows across Matangi and Atua, calving in autumn and spring, providing up to 10 months of beef supply annually.

Carcasses are independently graded before dry ageing, and the business operates its own Hastings-based butchery and showroom.

Following the significant disruption caused by Cyclone Gabrielle – including the loss of product and temporary production delays – Matangi rebuilt, reopening a new butchery and German-technology dry ageing facility in 2024.

Alongside beef, the business has launched chicory-finished lamb, applying the same measured, eating-quality focus to sheep genetics and management.

Environmental initiatives include ongoing riparian planting, fencing of waterways and soil management systems designed to support long-term resilience.

The Gaddums will join fellow regional winners from across the country in being considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust’s National Showcase in Christchurch in July.

The recipient will become the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.

Other Awards for Matangi Station

Wayne and Nicky Breeze - Hauiti Farm - Poukawa

Rob and Coral Buddo, Marie Taylor - Plant Hawke’s Bay - Waiohiki

Tim and Lucy Mouat - Springvale Station - Tikokino

The awards also highlighted the Pōrangahau Catchment Group – Taurekaitai ki Te Paerahi, formed in 2020 following grassroots discussions among Southern Hawke’s Bay landowners.

Covering 88,000ha, with active membership across 46,000ha, the group blends science with Te Ao Māori principles to restore the mauri of their waterways and landscapes.

Backed by Government funding, the collective has established more than 200,000 native plants and 21,000 poplars, fenced significant freshwater habitat and actively managed erosion and pest control.

Their resilience following Cyclone Gabrielle demonstrates the strength of coordinated community-led environmental action.

– New Zealand Farm Environment Trust