26 December 2020

Growing Goodness

Kaiahuwhenua. Grower.

Writer: Royna Fifield-Hakaraia (Ngāti Rangatahi, Ngāti Whititama)

Photographer: Michelle Marshall

A bit of happenstance and a lot of support helped Finnisha Tuhiwai, 26, uncover an impressive career in horticulture. For this young woman, finding herself in the finals of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards and at the top of the berry industry, all comes down to good ol’ fashioned hard graft.

Humbleness is something that some people just have in their bones. Finnisha Tuhiwai (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Te Rino, Te Parawhau), is one of those people. Raised in the quiet rural community of Mangakahia, Whangarei, Finnisha has fond memories as a child tending and harvesting the family garden, swimming and camping at the river and spending time with her grandfather protecting native tuna (eels). “In our area, we had a stream that many eels used as a path to grow and head towards a breeding ground, but it was blocked off,” she explains. “When I was a little kid, my granddad involved us in looking after the eels. He built a carrier, and I would go with him to collect and transfer the eels upstream, so they didn’t die.”

Growing up, Finnisha wasn’t sure which career path was right for her but living in a region known for its fertile land and high sunshine quota, she was always surrounded by the day-to-day bustle of the farming and horticulture industries. “Where I’m from, dairy farming was all around us,” she says. “My father and brothers were all working in horticulture. When I was sixteen, I started working during the school holidays. I did a bit of relief-milking and kiwifruit work. I ended up getting a job working with my uncle, who was a dairy farmer. I was always taught to just give things a go.”

With this strong appreciation for te taiao (the natural world) instilled in her at a young age and an easy affinity to hard yakka, it's no surprise that Finnisha fell in love with a job where she is outdoors, overseeing the care and handling of some of the most delicate - and delicious - fruit that can be grown. Finnisha is an essential cog in the wheels of the small, family-run business, Maungatapere Berries, which specialises in producing premium, hydroponic raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and solberries; the latter a new berry variety developed by the Northland business which has a golden peach colour and a floral flavour. "This is the first pack house I have ever worked in," says Finnisha. "I didn't realise how much I would enjoy producing awesome berries. I am so proud when I hear stories that our customers loved our berries. To me, I get so much pleasure providing a quality product. That's why I love doing what I do - I ended up on this path without even really thinking about it."

Raspberries hanging from a raspberry plant

The Malley family started growing kiwifruit and avocados in 2011, before making the decision to establish Maungatapere Berries five years ago. The lush volcanic orchard is located in the settlement of Maungatapere, eleven kilometres west of Whangarei and - fortuitously - just down the hill from where Finnisha was living. It seems the stars aligned when, just as Finnisha was looking for a job, the young berry company was calling out for eager kiwifruit pickers. "I am one of the originals," Finnisha says. "I have been with Maungatapere since I was twenty one and, honestly, I found my passion in the packhouse. I love being outside. I love that we have a wide range of cultures and people working here."

Finnisha's natural leadership and potential in the packhouse was noticed early on and her career, along with the business, has gone from strength to strength. Currently studying Level Four in Horticulture, she says that her employers are her biggest cheerleaders. "They had faith in me and pushed me. When I started, because I was quite young, I would wonder if this was what I really wanted to do, but my bosses kept me keen. They have me constantly upskilling and training. When people put their time into you that way, it makes you feel appreciated. It's awesome to have their support."

Once Finnisha began learning about the different aspects of growing berryfruit, from propagation to the life cycle of the plants, she was hooked. With her passion for quality and delivering the best possible premium berries, Finnisha's management responsibilities are broad but easily taken in her stride. "I'm a hands-on manager. I like to go in and help and be a part of the packing. I just love being with the team and working with them. We are lucky here; we are able to be in the packhouse working instead of just sitting in the office doing paperwork all the time. I'm pretty happy about that," she laughs. "Problem solving is another big thing I do a lot of. I also do performance reviews, training, work on processes and I'm involved in the decision making. In school, I was head girl and kaea (leader) for the kapa haka (Māori cultural performance) group, so, when it comes to leadership, I think in a way it felt natural for me."

Her trajectory upwards has been nurtured by her earnest character and a strong connectedness to the area. Happy to share with her workmates and her employers, Finnisha often tells others about the Māori history and stories relating to the different regions around Whangarei. These bonds, old and new, make for a strong foundation for this young wahine (woman). "A lot of the decisions I make now are about being grounded. I'm very fortunate that I am working at home - where I am from and where I am connected," says Finnisha. "I think a lot of my teaching and values come from what I was taught by my people and my grandparents. I also have support from my family, from my fiancé and his family, and from my bosses. Having that support system is huge. It keeps me driven to keep going, to keep trying, and it keeps me humble too."

This summer, Finnisha's hard work and perseverance have paid off. The Ahuwhenua Trophy, which celebrates excellence in Māori farming and horticulture across Aotearoa New Zealand, has selected Finnisha as one of its three finalists for the 2020 awards. "It was my boss who actually approached me and said that I should give the Ahuwhenua Trophy a go," says Finnisha. "I was really shy and nervous. I went home and I had to really think about it, but I knew I had to try. That's when the process started for me and to be honest, it's the best thing I've ever done. I have just returned back from a grower's tour in Napier and it was such a beautiful experience. I already have a passion for horticulture and what I do and to meet other people that have that same passion was amazing. This experience is something that I will always hold with me."

Finnisha can't get enough of the dynamic and innovative berry industry. With her sights firmly focused on an Agribusiness Diploma in the future, her aspirations are to add value to the business that has supported and guided her. "I want to keep growing and doing better," says Finnisha. "I've worked in most of the areas within the business and I have found my place. I can't even really call it work because it's something I'm passionate about and I enjoy. I would love to mentor young women to do what I do. For me, I want to lead by example and show others that there's so much more to this industry than just being a picker or packer. There is a career in horticulture. If you really want it and you have a drive for it, anyone can do it."