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Miraka is the world ’ s first dairy processing company to use renewable geothermal energy and has one of the lowest manufacturing carbon emissions footprints globally . Excellence , integrity and innovation , alongside the Māori concept of ‘ kaitiakitanga ’ comprise its core values and underpin how it operates its business .
Karl Gradon , CEO , spent most of his career offshore in executive roles with Fonterra and Irish dairy business , Kerry Ingredients , in Brazil , the USA , France and Singapore . Since returning to New Zealand , he has worked closely with Māori leaders and entities , local and central government and business to create thriving communities , while supporting local investment attraction .
“ Miraka was formed 13 years ago and has largely disrupted the New Zealand dairy market in many ways , but particularly by means of its principals and commitment to sustainability ,” Karl begins . “ By incentivizing our farmers to be as progressive as possible while still making sure they are achieving the highest quality standards , we ’ ve created a unique concept .”
Te Ara Miraka is the company ’ s world-class farming excellence program of which dairy farmers become part . Miraka incentivizes its farmers to achieve high standards of farming , alongside environmental and animal welfare best practice . Furthermore , the processing plant at Mokai , 30 kilometers northwest of Taupō , is the world ’ s first to use geothermal energy . It emits 92 percent less manufacturing carbon emissions than traditional coal-fired factories .
Karl Gradon
▲ Miraka dairy plant at dusk
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