Grant and Bernie Weller are balancing farming profitably with environmental and succession protection on their family farm in the Waimea Valley, Northern Southland.

The award judges wrote that they were impressed with the “strong family involvement and ‘buy in’ of retention of natural habitat of the Hokonui Hills and the ability to achieve this while still operating a profitable and productive farm business.” The judges commended the couple’s approach noting: “Bernie and Grant have a very clear vision, mission and culture.”