Entries for the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year Award 2016 are officially open, which means the hunt for the cream of the crop has begun.
Chief Executive Jamie Tuuta says Te Tumu Paeroa supports the Young Farmer competition in line with its role of protecting and building Māori land and assets.
“As we work with Māori landowners to help realise the potential of their land, we want to encourage young Māori who have the potential to be future leaders in farming and land management.”
Ahuwhenua Young Farmer 2015 winner, Hannah Wallace of Wairoa, is urging all young Māori farmers to have a go.
“It will change your life and give you the confidence to want to succeed,” Hannah says. “The opportunities that have come out of it for me have been overwhelming - speaking at various events, numerous job offers and rubbing shoulders with the big guys!
“So far it’s been an amazing journey, the people I have met and the places I have been. I never thought I would ever do anything like this, it’s been breath-taking.”
All those who enter the competition benefit in development of their leadership skills through interview preparation and supportive feedback from an experienced judging panel. Added benefits for finalists include:
- Enhanced relationships with industry organisations that are in position to offer support in their careers
- New friendships with other young farmers striving to be successful
- Prizes and recognition from the wider Māori agribusiness sector.
“Winning this competition has given me the confidence to want to achieve my dreams of owning or leasing my own farm. It gave me a real confidence boost and made me realise that, yes us females can be farmers, and yes we are good at what we do because we are right up there with the boys,” Hannah explains.
“There are a lot of people out there who are willing to help us young people to achieve our dreams. Just do it because it’s an amazing experience you will never forget!” Hannah says. “Being the first female to win makes the achievement that much greater, it’s a privilege to be representing this award.”
Entrants need to be between 16 and 25 years old as at 31 December 2015, currently employed on a dairy farm, of Māori descent and currently enrolled in or have completed within the last year, National Certificate in Agriculture Level 3 or higher.
As well as a cash prize, each of the competition finalists will receive a $1,500 training scholarship to help with their professional development.
Applications are open until 29 February 2016. To enter or for more information visit www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz
