Jon and Fiona Sherlock of Otorohaea Ltd win Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards 2026

“Their vision for their farm as a productive mosaic could lead to transformational change across the industry.”

Judges described the pair as “a powerhouse couple who combine their broad base of skills and knowledge to develop and achieve their strategic goals”.

They also noted their “winning combination of profitability and environmental outcomes”.

For the Sherlock family, Otorohaea is more than a business – it’s a family legacy.

“We believe we’ve found the sweet spot where good environmental management and good business work together.

“Finding that balance – the sweet spot between production and protection – is what we’re most proud of.”

The judges also acknowledged their strong commitment to the industry and local community, shown in the way they operated their business and contributed beyond the farm gate.

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

The recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy then become 2026’s National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing.

Other Awards for Otorohaea Ltd

Hill Labs Agri-Science AwardNorwood Farming Efficiency AwardRabobank Agri-Business Management AwardWaikato Regional Council Water Protection Award

NZ Farm Environment Trust Innovation Award

Other Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Award winners

Noel and Lorraine Fox – NR & LA Fox

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm AwardDairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award

Willy and Keely Muir – Muir Farming Partnership

Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management AwardBayleys People in Primary Sector AwardMinistry for the Environment Biodiversity AwardWaikato River Authority Catchment Improvement Award

Luke Campion – Hopehill Farm

FMG Risk Management Award

Catchment group showcase

The awards also celebrated the Wharekawa Catchment Care Group, which is celebrating 20 years of community-led environmental restoration.

Established in 2005, the group has grown into a catchment-wide movement uniting farmers, residents and holiday-home owners to improve water quality and restore the mauri of the Wharekawa Harbour and its waterways.

From wetland restoration and native fish habitat recovery to a 10km predator trapping network and cutting-edge eDNA monitoring, the group demonstrates how collective local action can deliver lasting environmental gains for both biodiversity and livelihoods.

– New Zealand Farm Environment Trust