Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay

Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay is BYD New Zealand Sustainability Champion 2025 recognising its outstanding commitment to environmental and social sustainability. 

Outstanding Food Producer Awards Sustainability Judges, Emily King and Fiona Stephenson praised Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay saying sustainability is a core pillar of every activity. “Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay is an outstanding example of environmental and social sustainability. With a longstanding commitment to organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming, Hōhepa not only produces high-quality food but also provides meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Impressive sustainability initiatives range from eliminating plastic packaging and introducing solar power to installing a native nursery and restoring wetlands, demonstrating a long-term dedication to people and nature.” 

Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives. Their farm provides nutrient-rich produce with internationally recognised Demeter and BioGro certification. Cows are milked just metres away from the cheesery, ensuring freshness and quality. They have introduced solar electricity to their sites and added electric and hybrid vehicles to their fleet. In 2020, they eliminated plastic packaging for their milk, opting for reusable glass milk bottles and stainless-steel billies for their community houses. Some cheeses have also moved to compostable packaging. Their native plant nursery provides approximately 40,000 plants per year for environmental programmes like the 'One Billion Trees' and 'Jobs for Nature' initiatives, as well as wetland restoration projects. In response to climate change, they are building new residential homes and relocating people they support from the Hohepa Clive site.

Proving care for people, land and the environment leads to outstanding produce; Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay won four medals for their product in the Outstanding Food Producer Awards 2025. Hōhepa Biodynamic Milk was awarded a Gold Medal for its excellent, pure clean flavour. The Hōhepa Vintage Danbo won a Silver Medal for its clear, cream-flavoured milk taste despite being beautifully aged with Bronze Medals awarded to Hōhepa Herb Quark and Hōhepa Blue Cheese.

Clearly, no stranger to winning awards, Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay has received several accolades for their quality dairy products and sustainability efforts, including the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Sustainability Trophy in 2022 and 2023, and the Sustainable Business Awards Food for Good Award in 2022. 

Established in 1956, Hōhepa is a not-for-profit organisation providing residential care, education, and meaningful work opportunities for 192 people with intellectual disabilities. From children to adults, they build an inclusive community where everyone can create a sense of identity. The joy of learning, engaging in community life, and working alongside others is a wonderful way for people to grow and experience their vision of ‘every life fully lived’. Across staff, people they support, and their families, approximately 1000 people are involved directly or indirectly in the Hōhepa Hawke's Bay community. Staff are paid at minimum wage or above, and people they support are no different.

Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay continues to set an exemplary standard for sustainability and inclusivity, making a significant impact on the environment and the lives of those they support. To learn more visit their website.