Farming scholarships offered to young Maori

Maori youth have the chance to win a farming scholarship. Photo / File

Rotorua Maori youth considering farming have a chance to gain one of four scholarships offered by ASB and the Poutama Trust.

The scholarships, for courses based at the Wairarapa's Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, are designed to eliminate the financial barriers that young Maori could face when considering training for a career in the farming industry.

"ASB acknowledges the growing focus on building Maori capability in the farming sector and we are pleased to be working with the Poutama Trust to provide an education avenue for young Maori who are interested in being part of the future of farming," ASB national manager Maori banking services Anthony Ririnui said.

"The estimated $6 billion of land-based assets managed and owned by Maori is significant to New Zealand's agriculture industry," chief executive of Poutama Trust Richard Jones said.

"We are thrilled to be working with ASB to help build a tangible pathway into farming for the young Maori who will one day be the future of this industry."

In 2012, ASB committed to the growth of Maori businesses by signing an accord with Poutama Trust, an independent, apolitical and pan-iwi charitable trust dedicated to the development of Maori businesses nationwide and internationally.

The Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre is the country's biggest agricultural training centre and offers a wide range of practically-based farming courses.

For more information on how to apply, contact Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre (06) 378 2116.