ABOUT US

MEET

Tumaru

Kia Orana,

I was born and raised in Rarotonga (Cook Islands) a small island in the South Pacific (approximately 16,000 acres), where the land and ocean were my playground until I was 17 and moved to New Zealand. As the eldest of four, I spent my childhood raising pigs, fishing, and working on the plantation, growing whatever the season dictated—kumara, maniota, taro, bananas and pawpaw. Sounds like the plot to a movie where the country boy gets recruited by the cartel, right? Well, that didn’t happen, but I did get recruited into a different kind of organization.

Life back then was simple but tough. School, rugby league, chores, scraps with my older cousins (lots of cousins) in an attempt to climb the pecking order, and plenty of daydreaming about what I wanted to be when I grew up. At one point, I wanted to be an astronaut, then a fighter jet pilot, then a chef—totally logical career progression, right? What I didn’t realise at the time was that the hard work, the resilience, and the ability to provide for myself were lessons I’d carry with me forever. I also learnt a lot during my schooling years in Rarotonga attending St Josephs Primary School, Nukutere College and Tereora College. But I did spend a lot of time in the principles office because I was a little sh*t.

Moving to New Zealand was a shock. University, part-time jobs, working in forestry and as a farm hand and trying to figure out my place in this new world. I chased my childhood dream of being a fighter jet pilot—only to find out the RNZAF didn’t have fighter jets anymore. So, I pivoted. Next best thing? Astronaut? Not quite. I joined the NZ Police. Not as thrilling as dogfights in the sky, but it turned out to be an education in human nature. I learned about people—their struggles, their pressures, their environments, and how those things shape who they become, as well as dealing with and resolving high risk situations.

Along the way, I met Larisa—the woman who flipped my world upside down. She challenged my thinking, showed me what true happiness looks like, and made me realise what really matters. She’s the rock to my roll, the one that softened me, who constantly rolls her eyes at me and keeps me up at night. I also have two other incredible women in my life—my teenage daughters—who, let’s be real, also keep me up at night.

After 20 years in policing—yes, that makes me sound old, but I’m not—we decided it was time for a change. Larisa and I wanted to get back to our roots, back to raising animals and growing food. So, I traded fighting crime for fighting livestock, and we started Tuki Ranch.

As we got deeper into our farming journey, we started talking to other farmers—friends, family, people who had been doing this their whole lives. What we found was shocking. Running a farm was costly and a bad season could mean serious sacrifices. Some farmers couldn’t even afford basic supplies which directly impacted their livelihood. The more we listened, the more we knew there had to be a better way.

That’s how Tuki Ranch became more than just a farm. And so, our journey begins. It won’t be easy. There will be challenges. There will be times when Larisa and I will question our decision. But if there’s one thing policing taught me, it’s this—it’s never wrong to do the right thing, and small changes lead to bigger changes.

We’re excited to share this adventure with you. The good, the bad and the ugly!

Kia manuia i te ra.

MEET

Larisa

Raised in the rugged beauty of the Far North and tempered by the hustle of Auckland, I’ve spent my life circling back to what truly matters—home, heritage and farming.

I grew up in the Hokianga, which is about 4.5 hours north of Auckland. If you follow your nose up SH1 or SH12, you’ll eventually stumble upon paradise. It was here that my love for farming took root, my bond with animals deepened and my absolute distaste for fencing, clearing gorse and thistles started. No matter how thick your jeans are, a needle will always pierce its way through, and you will always battle with a splinter. This is also where my rodeo journey began, attending every rodeo circuit and operating the cattle shoots from a young age. This spectacular upbringing provided life lessons that I’m still cashing in on today.

The Far North wasn’t just home; it was my sanctuary, my classroom, and my bridge to Te Ao Māori. Though my whakapapa traces to Ngāti Porou through my mother, I walk and talk Ngāpuhi. And if that mix of rodeos, state highways, and coastal roots wasn’t complex enough, my father’s Samoan bloodline from Iva and Malie adds another layer to my story.

I was raised by the heartiest of mums, a woman who instilled discipline and resilience in us through farm chores before and after school. The animals always ate before we did, and the horses demanded daily rides. My sister and I used to joke that Mum loved her animals more than us, and given the headaches teenage girls can cause, we were probably on the money sometimes.

I attended one of the first kura kaupapa in the South Hokianga – Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Tonga o Hokianga, eventually finishing my schooling at Te Whare Kura o Kaikohe.

Growing up on our farm meant witnessing firsthand the sacrifice and sweat that goes into working the land. I saw the heartbreak of losing livestock, the frustration of stolen stock or broken fences, the constant battle for water, and the race against power outages that threatened to spoil months’ worth of food. Don’t even get me started on bobby calves! I’ve spent countless summers chopping and stacking firewood to keep us warm through winter. These experiences shaped me. They’re why Tuki Ranch isn’t just a business – it’s a way of life.

Fast forward to 2008, I left the Far North to try my luck in the big city. Safe to say, urban life wasn’t built for me. I’ll never forget the meltdown I had in the dairy aisle at New World—staring in disbelief at the price of meat, the ridiculous number of milk options, and butter that didn’t taste like butter.

I enrolled at the Auckland University of Technology and completed a degree in criminology. That degree led me to the New Zealand Police where I dedicated the next 11 years. The Police has given me many things, friends, structure, resilience, knowledge, security, confidence and a way to really help and connect with people. Heck, I even managed to get rid of my student loan.

But the greatest thing the Police ever gave me? My partner in crime (yes, pun intended), Tumaru. He is the force behind Tuki Ranch, the one who shares my vision, and beyond the hard exterior, he’s an absolute softie!

I am one of five kids (second born), Kimaea being our older sister and my younger brothers – Du’Plessis, Polaiu’amea and Isaiah. I got lucky with this lot, I’m so proud to be their sister.

My parents are spread far and wide, yet they remain my greatest resources (and victims of my endless phone calls).

My mum, Evelyn, and stepdad, Darryl, run a 9,000-acre farm in Australia, and let’s just say the calls haven’t stopped since my 2008 butter crisis (sorry guys!) In her early years, mum was teaching children during the day, learning and teaching Te Reo in the evening and then smashing out the rodeos in the weekend. Mum and Darryl have truly carved out a piece of haven in the outback (it’s the whole “everything-wants-to-kill-you” thing I’m still on the fence about).

My dad, Maualaivao Polaiu’amea (Pola for short), and stepmum, Donna, are based in Taranaki. Dad champions the Pasifika rugby space providing support and guidance within schools and the professional realm whilst Donna gives women the confidence to flaunt their natural curls.

Between the four of them, I’ve yet to be blocked, so I must be doing something right.

I’ve seen the weight that farmers carry. I’ve felt the sacrifices made by those who work the land while raising families. And as life has a way of bringing us back to our roots, I find myself drawn home – to farming, to family, to purpose.

Tuki Ranch isn’t just a business. It’s a testament to my love for the land and for the industry that feeds this country. We believe farmers are the cornerstone of our economy, and we’re here to make sure they get the support they deserve.

To our family, friends, and every farmer who has shared their wisdom and time – thank you.

Now, let’s get back to work.

Mauri ora.

BACKING OUR RODEO ATHLETES

Tuki Ranch is proud to sponsor these dedicated and all-round outstanding members of the New Zealand rodeo community.

We support those who represent the grit, resilience, and spirit of rural New Zealand.

BUSTER TAUARIKI

Ngāti Maniapoto

Ko Ngāti Maniapoto te Iwi.

Ko Tainui te waka.

At 35 years old, I’ve spent the past 20 years competing in rodeo as a proud second-generation competitor. I’m a horseman at heart, as well as a drain layer and a farmer by trade. Most importantly, I’m a proud father of five, and all of my kids have followed the same path, competing in rodeo alongside me.

Events: Rope and Tie, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Bull Riding.

ABBY TAUARIKI

Ngāpuhi

Ko Ngāpuhi te Iwi.

Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka.

Ko Abby tōku ingoa.

I’m a second-generation competitor with over 20 years of experience in my sport. What makes this journey truly special are all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.

The supportive yet competitive environment has built strong and beautiful connections both in and out of the arena, and I’ve been fortunate to be inspired by many incredible role models throughout my journey.

Events: Team Roping, Breakaway, Barrel Racing.

CHEYENNE CHURCH

Ngāti Tūwharetoa & Ngāti Maniapoto

I’ve been competing in rodeo since I was about six years old, coming from a proud third-generation rodeo family.

Over the years, I’ve won a junior title and a rookie barrel racing title, and in 2011 I had the privilege of competing in the finals alongside my mum in the barrel racing.

Events: Breakaway, Team Roping, Barrel Racing.

TUKI RANCH

Values

Whanaungatanga – Relationships & Community

We believe in the power of connection. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to building strong, lasting relationships—with farmers, whānau, and the wider community. We work together, uplift each other, and value every voice.

Manaakitanga – Care & Hospitality

We lead with kindness and respect, offering support in a way that makes others feel valued and understood—on the farm and in business.

Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship of the Land

We are caretakers of the whenua. Our work is grounded in protecting and preserving the land for future generations. Every decision we make honours the balance between people, animals, and the environment.

Fa’aaloalo / Aro’a – Respect & Honour

From our Samoan, Māori, and Cook Islands heritage, we carry forward the deep tradition of respect—toward elders, traditions, customers, and each other. We honour the dignity of work and those who do it.

Tautua – Service with Purpose

Inspired by the Pacific concept of leadership through service, we are here to serve our communities. We provide tools, knowledge, and support to help farmers thrive—not just survive.

Pono – Integrity & Accountability

We do what’s right, even when no one is watching. We operate our business with honesty, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility to our partners and the land.