Poverty Bay A&P Association Scholarship awarded to Gisborne’s Daniel Bailie

This year's Poverty Bay A&P Association scholarship recipient is Daniel Bailie from Waimatā Valley, pictured with AgFirst consultant Shanna Cairns and association vice-president Stephen Thomson.

A young Gisborne man who plans to continue his family farming tradition is the Poverty Bay A&P Association Scholarship recipient for 2026.

Daniel Bailie, who grew up on his family’s hill country farm in Waimatā Valley, was a standout applicant for the $2000 scholarship.

“Massive congratulations to him,” the association said on the Gisborne Showgrounds Facebook page.

“Daniel has seen firsthand the hard work involved in farming, also the resilience and dedication it takes to succeed in farming,” the post read.

“Inspired by his grandfather and dad, he’s now taking the next step toward a future in the primary industries.”

Daniel has secured a place at Ōtiwhiti Farm School of Agriculture in Hunterville, west of Whanganui, where he will work and study toward his NZ Certificate in Agriculture (Level 3).

“His long-term goal is to return home, take over the family farm and continue contributing to Poverty Bay by producing quality stock and supporting local jobs.”

The association post said what stood out “was not just Daniel’s strong academic and practical background, but his deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region - from climate pressures to workforce and infrastructure issues”.

“He’s passionate about being part of the next generation helping our primary industries adapt, grow and thrive.

“We’re proud to support young people like Daniel who are committed to the future of farming and the strength of our rural community.”

The scholarship is open to fulltime students from the Gisborne or East Coast region who wish to be involved in the primary sectors.