An avocado orchard near Whangarei is the first horticultural enterprise in Northland to win a Supreme Award in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, being the sixth year of the awards in the region.

Puripak Avocados in Glenbervie, west of Whangarei, is described by the judges as an excellent example of marrying the need for commercial development with preserving and improving the natural habitat. It has successfully combined native and production plants under the one canopy.

Owners Sue and Shane Culham have balanced their passion for their land, its environment, orchard productivity, lifestyle and community, commented the award judges.