Recognition for future leaders

Jordan Smith, 2013 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Sheep and Beef Farmer of the Year. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Young Maori need their rural careers nurtured. That is what the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer competition is all about

Doors are opening for a new generation of skilled future-focused workers, shepherds, managers and owners, says the co-ordinator of the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer competition, Peter MacGregor.

"Succession planning is a real challenge for sheep and beef farmers but doors are opening," he says.

This year, the award targets the sheep and beef industry and MacGregor, a past judge of the competition, says it's especially important that youth in this sector are provided with the opportunity to grow their careers and are developed to their full potential.

"This competition not only encourages development but helps transition our young Maori through their learning and career pathways that realises not only their potential but that of our Nation, Aotearoa New Zealand," he says.

MacGregor is the head of Te Kauta Whakaruruhau Matauranga Ahuwhenua (Te Kauta), a partnership of Primary ITO and the Federation of Maori Authorities. The partnership's focus is to develop streams of training and learning for Maori and Maori agribusinesses as determined by the needs of individual trusts, incorporations, whanau, hapu, iwi, farmer and Maori agribusiness entities.

Sponsored by Primary ITO, Te Tumu Paeroa, Te Puni Kokiri and Allflex, the competition is about celebrating leadership qualities and inspiring young Maori into careers linked to growing the Maori asset base.

Last year, the Ministry for Primary Industries reported that about one million hectares of Maori freehold land is under-performing or under-utilised and that bringing this land into production has the potential to yield $8 billion gross over 10 years and create 3600 jobs. The highest value use for more than 90 per cent of this land is considered to be sheep and beef farming.

"We need to place a greater emphasis on educating young Maori with the skills that are relevant for our growing base of agricultural assets. We want Maori to be full participants in mobilising their land -- and this means having more Maori with the skills and expertise to farm their lands," says Jamie Tuuta, head of Te Tumu Paeroa.

"I am very pleased that we have an award that recognises them, and supports them in their future career," says Tuuta. "The prospects are great for Maori to take advantage of developments in the Maori economy -- particularly in leadership roles."

• Entries to the competition close on February 13, 2015. As well as a cash prize, each of the competition finalists will receive a $1500 training scholarship to help their professional development. Application forms can be downloaded from www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz.