Judges described the Hoopers as “a great farming couple working and living on the land, while enhancing and protecting the natural resources that surround them”.
They said the Hoopers ran a well-managed farming operation that worked with the high-altitude environment to enhance biodiversity.
“A great example of a low-input farm operation which takes account of the fragile nature of the area, while still maintaining a productive pasture-based system.”
The couple’s tenure has focused heavily on land development and infrastructure.
When they began, the property had just four troughs and no races.
Today, every paddock has reticulated water.
Significant regrassing and a shift toward organic liquid fertilisers have improved soil health and pasture diversity.
Environmental protection has been central to the couple’s approach.
The Hoopers have fenced and retired 32ha of wetland forest remnants, creating an important ecological connection to Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki National Park.
They continue the intergenerational guardianship of Gratiola concinna, a nationally endangered wetland herb, working alongside the Department of Conservation on translocation projects and habitat protection.
Extensive riparian planting, stock exclusion and water monitoring led to excellent water quality outcomes, with regional council testing confirming strong macroinvertebrate index results.
Philip’s innovative, DIY approach has also seen the installation of solar-powered pumps and mobile-monitored flow meters that detect leaks instantly.
Diversification into glamping and active involvement in local catchment groups further strengthen the resilience of their business.
“We live in a place of natural beauty on the side of our stunning maunga. Enhancing and protecting that environment while building a profitable business is something we’re very proud of,” Lyneyre said.
The Hoopers will now 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 recipient will become the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.
Other awards for the Hoopman Family Trust
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management AwardNorwood Farming Efficiency AwardMinistry for the Environment Biodiversity AwardTaranaki Regional Council Sustainability Award
Other Taranaki Farm Environment Award winners
Gavin Jordan and Julie Fleming – Kamahi – Inglewood
Hill Labs Agri-Science AwardBeef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm AwardRabobank Agri-Business Management Award
Paul Kuriger – Crystal Rivers Taranaki – Mahoe
DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship AwardBayleys People in Primary Sector AwardFMG Risk Management Award
Catchment group showcase
The awards also showcased the Awatuna/Auroa Farming for the Future Catchment Group, for demonstrating that productive farming and rigorous environmental stewardship are essential partners.
Formed in 2020 and now involving around 30 properties that cover more than half the catchment, the group takes a practical, data-driven approach.
To better understand ecosystem health, it undertakes monthly water testing, eDNA and macroinvertebrate monitoring.
Alongside pest control, soil and water workshops, and partnerships with iwi and schools through programmes such as Agri4kids, the collective builds a resilient farming community committed to leaving both land and waterways in better heart for the next generation.
– New Zealand Farm Environment Trust