WMI Farm 4

Miraka, the first geothermally powered milk processing plant in the world, has achieved B-corp certification. The Māori owned company is recognised for having one of the lowest manufacturing carbon footprints worldwide, with a strong dedication to sustainability, circular practices, and community engagement embedded within every aspect of its operations. 

Since its establishment in 2010, Miraka has emerged as an innovator in the dairy processing industry, setting new standards for sustainability, and Māori-led enterprise. As the world’s first dairy processor powered by renewable geothermal energy, Miraka has distinguished itself through its alignment with Te Ao Māori values and its commitment to Kaitiakitanga and environmental responsibility. 

Miraka was founded through the collaborative efforts of a number of Māori Trusts who sought international industry partners to open the 90-million-dollar milk processing plant in Mokai in 2011.  

Miraka achieved profitability within its first year. Today, the company processes milk from around 100 dairy farms. Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI) and Tūaropaki Trust are cornerstone shareholders.  

Founding member Kingi Smiler from Miraka shareholder WMI has played an instrumental role in the formation of the Taupō-based dairy company.  Kingi has been a driving force in advancing Māori agribusiness and Miraka is one of the largest collaborative Māori agrarian ventures in recent years.  

Values from te ao Māori underpin Miraka. Kaitiakitanga, the care and stewardship of the environment for future generations, drives sustainability initiatives and the incorporation of environmentally responsible practices into its operations.  

By utilizing geothermal energy instead of coal, the company has achieved a carbon emissions footprint 92% lower than that of traditional coal powered dairy factories. The geothermal energy and steam is piped directly from the neighbouring Mōkai geothermal energy field located under Tūaropaki Trust land. 

Miraka CEO Karl Gradon concedes that they’ve probably reached the limits of current technology to reduce the plant’s footprint. They’re now working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from on-farm milk collections. Miraka has worked with Central Transport Ltd and Halcyon Energy (established under a joint venture partnership with Japan’s Obayashi Corporation and the Tūaropaki Trust) to build a green hydrogen energy hub.  

In September 2024 Miraka launched New Zealand’s first green hydrogen dual-fuel milk collection tanker. It is anticipated that the single tanker will reduce fuel use by 37,000 litres of diesel annually. Karl says, “Our green hydrogen dual-fuel tanker is designed to reduce milk collection CO2 emissions by approximately 35 per cent per vehicle, benefitting te taiao, the environment and our community.”  

Halcyon is supplying the green hydrogen for the new tanker from their facility which is adjacent to the Miraka dairy plant. Miraka is working towards using 100% renewable energy in the next decade and this includes transitioning to a sustainable hydrogen fleet of tankers for milk collection. 

Karl notes that the company’s strong environmental guardianship values and being at the leading edge of early adopters of clean technologies are “part of our value proposition to our customers”.  

In 2024, Miraka’s work towards reducing their environmental footprint and their active commitment to social, environmental, and economic excellence was rewarded with B-corp certification. The global certification recognises enterprises that proactively reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and uphold fair labour practices. 

Karl Gradon emphasises that B Corp certification aligns well with the company’s values, stating, “This certification aligns with everything we stand for — excellence in values and principles; business, social outcomes, and environmental leadership, or Kaitiakitanga as we know it.” 

Kingi Smiler adds the certification is important for consumers who are increasingly looking for sustainable produced products. Miraka are now looking to how they’ll leverage the certification within their story and marketing. 

After more than a decade of leadership, Kingi Smiler stepped down as chairperson for the Miraka Board in 2024, having served the maximum 12-year term under the company’s constitution.  

Looking ahead, Miraka remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and te ao Māori values. With ongoing investments in new technologies and environmentally responsible practices, the company continues to lead the way. 

https://www.ruraldelivery.net.nz/posts/Miraka-Milk-Processing