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The trial supports the Nāti 2050 Strategy by exploring innovation that can sustainably grow the intergenerational economic wellbeing of Ngāti Porou. By testing new farming technology, Makarika Station is identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen the long-term sustainability of iwi investments and create lasting value for future generations.
Led by Farm Manager Tuhimoana Aupouri, the trial began in early September 2026, with the first 30 yearling bulls fitted with Halter collars. The station has 150 collars and will use these to improve the grazing of highly productive flat land.
For Tuhimoana Aupouri, the decision to trial Halter came from the practical challenges of managing grazing areas, particularly paddocks running alongside rivers where fencing is limited.
Using technology to manage grazing
Developed in New Zealand, Halter combines solar-powered smart collars with a mobile app, allowing farmers to create virtual fences, shift cattle remotely and monitor livestock without relying solely on physical fencing.
Using GPS technology, audio cues and vibrations, the collars help guide cattle within designated grazing boundaries set through the app. Farmers can adjust these boundaries and manage grazing from their phones, providing greater flexibility across large or difficult-to-access areas.
At Makarika Station, this means Tuhimoana Aupouri can move cattle between grazing areas without having to physically travel to the paddocks each time.
"I don't actually have to physically be there to shift them. I can just shift them on my phone while I'm doing other things," she explains.
"It's been good. It saves time."
While the technology offers a different way of managing livestock, Tuhimoana Aupouri says traditional farming knowledge and hands-on stockmanship remain important.
"Because I'm still sort of old-school, I still go down and put my eye over them, just to make sure they're all good."
Learning as the trial progresses
The trial is being introduced gradually, giving the team an opportunity to become familiar with the technology before expanding its use across the station.
With 30 bulls currently fitted, the next stage will see additional collars introduced to cattle grazing larger paddocks and river flats, where virtual fencing could help improve pasture utilisation.
Although still in its early stages, Tuhimoana Aupouri says the experience has been positive, with no significant challenges encountered so far.
"I've learned heaps, and it's good. It's the way of the future, I reckon, for the next generation."
For her, one of the biggest benefits has been the ability to manage stock movements remotely while continuing other work around the station.
Looking ahead for Ngāti Porou farming
Beyond the immediate benefits of grazing management and time savings, Tuhimoana sees opportunities for technology like Halter to support farming across Ngāti Porou whenua, particularly given the vast and hilly nature of the landscape.
She also hopes future developments will provide access to more detailed livestock information, including animal weights and growth performance, to support farming decisions.
For now, the focus remains on understanding how cattle respond to virtual boundaries and how the technology can complement existing farming practices.
"Having them in that virtual fence, it's a game changer, really."
As the trial continues, Makarika Station is exploring how modern technology and traditional farming knowledge can work together to support more efficient farming practices.
The initiative reflects the long-term aspirations of Whairawa by exploring opportunities to strengthen the sustainability and value of Ngāti Porou investments for current and future generations.