Growing young people into farming

Te Rua o Te Moko worked in collaboration with Land Based Training to establish a training facility and curriculum on their farm. The school has just celebrated the success and graduation of its second intake of students.

Eight students between the ages of 16 and 35, both male and female from all walks of life, graduated with a Certificate in Agriculture, level 3.

Over 40 people attended the graduation ceremony that was held on Te Rua o Te Moko dairy farm, which won the Ahuwhenua Trophy this year. The training centre was established on the farm with a classroom in the old South Taranaki Agricultural Research Facility. The full time, one year course has an extensive practical and theoretical curriculum.

Managing Director of Land Based Training, Rob Gollan, is proud of the accomplishments of the students and the work of the staff and tutors of the school. “All eight students are now employed, and it’s great to have yet another successful year,” says Rob.

Te Tumu Paeroa is the Responsible Trustee for three of the trusts involved in the Te Rua o Te Moko collaboration and continues to provide support services for management and governance. It is right behind the kaupapa of building the capacity of young Māori in farming.

Te Tumu Paeroa’s Rural Advisor for Te Rua o Te Moko, Aaron Hunt attended the graduation. “It’s great to see people getting excited about a career in farming. New blood means more innovation, fresh ideas and longevity for the farming industry. The opportunities for these young people to grow in the many disciplines of agriculture is unlimited. I congratulate each and every graduate, the course is not an easy one, and their achievement has been well deserved,” says Aaron