Farm work becomes holiday fun

This week Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre ran their annual school holiday training programme for secondary school students who are interested in agriculture. This course is designed for students who love the outdoors and are motivated by fun practical training.

Students completed modules covering farm bikes, fencing and stock handling with a focus on health and safety. They will also gain valuable NZQA credits towards their NCEA levels 1 and 2.

Taratahi tutor Chris Norgate delivered the programme at the Taratahi Stratford Campus Farm (Stratford Demonstration Farm on East Road). Chris says "The students are great, they've come to us in their school holidays and they really want to learn which makes my job enjoyable."

For Inglewood High School student Brydee Gardner it was the first time she has been on a motorbike. "I really enjoyed this course, especially meeting new people and learning to ride the motorbikes".

Stratford High School student Anthony Morrow-Washer of Stratford High School says he also enjoyed meeting new people and getting to work with Stratford Demonstration Farm manager and Taratahi farm tutor.

Taratahi programme manager Margaret Goble says Taratahi consult with secondary schools in the region and try to put together a programme that the students will find fun, has the right mix of practical and theory and is achievable within the school holiday timeframe.

"The course is also free for the students as it comes under the schools STAR funding so it's a fantastic way for these young students to boost their NCEA credits while having a great time".