Motueka Valley farmers recognised for ‘excellence’ in deer farming

Motueka Valley deer farmers Kim and Judith Rowe have earned national recognition, winning the NZ Landcare Trust Award at the 2025 Deer Industry Awards.

The award, for Excellence in Sustainable Deer Farming Through Actions on the Ground, was presented at the Deer Industry Conference Awards Dinner in Queenstown, part of the national conference held May 13–15.

The Rowes run a red deer breeding and finishing operation on their farm in the Motueka Valley, which also includes some beef finishing. Their land, a mix of hill country and flat terraces, has benefited from decades of thoughtful land and water management.

To protect soil and waterways, they have planted trees on the steeper slopes and established wetlands. A key ecological feature of the property is a large area of native beech–podocarp forest along the Stanley Brook Stream—protected under QEII covenants.

It is the largest known remnant of this habitat type in the upper South Island.
Judges praised the Rowes for their long-term commitment to environmental enhancement, noting their investment in wetland creation, extensive willow control, and the planting of six kilometres of riparian areas with native trees.
They also highlighted the couple’s strong weed and pest control efforts.

The judges commented that, through the Rowes, many people in the community had learned about deer farming and ecological preservation.

“Through thoughtful farm planning and ecological preservation, Kim and Judith have set a high standard for sustainable deer farming,” said Dr Nick Edgar, chief executive of NZ Landcare Trust.

“Their work offers a powerful example—not only to the farming community but to all who seek to balance productivity with environmental responsibility.”

The NZ Landcare Trust Award is a leading honour recognising environmental leadership. The Rowes’ win is a proud moment for the community and a strong example of sustainable deer farming.