Farmers are quietly solving one of our biggest problems
OPINION: As food insecurity deepens across New Zealand, a powerful solution is quietly unfolding in our rural communities - and it starts at the farm gate.
Purua is a dairy farm manager, award-winning agricultural leader, and passionate advocate for 'transformation through farming'.
Based in South Waikato, Ben leads a high-performing System 5 dairy operation centred on innovation, animal welfare, and sustainability. But his influence stretches far beyond the farm gate.
From a turbulent youth to national recognition, Purua's life is a powerful story of resilience and redemption. Raised in Pukekohe and shaped by adversity - including time in prison as a teenager - he discovered a passion for farming on a prison farm. That connection to the land sparked a journey of hard work, education and purpose.
Now the 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, Central Plateau Dairy Manager of the Year, and National People & Leadership Award winner, Purua is a sought-after speaker and role model across New Zealand. He's also the founder of Kamu to Pamu, a rural clothing brand dedicated to mental wellbeing in the agri-sector.
As Meet the Need's inaugural ambassador, Purua will use his voice, platform, and 'lived experience' to champion the charity's mission, ensuring New Zealander has access to nutritious protein, no matter their circumstances.
"I know what it's like to go without," says Purua.
"Being able to give back through farming - to use what we grow to feed those doing it tough - is powerful. Meet the Need is real, it's authentic, and it's led by farmers. I'm proud to stand with them and help carry the kaupapa forward."
Zellara Holden, general manager of Meet the Need, says the team couldn't be more excited to have Purua on board.
"Ben embodies the heart of Meet the Need. His story is one of strength, service, and second chances. He represents the best of our rural communities and a vision of what's possible when we lift each other up.
"We are thrilled to welcome him as our first ambassador and know he'll help inspire even more farmers to be part of this collective movement to end food insecurity in Aotearoa."
The appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Meet the Need, which has now delivered over 3 million meals - thanks to the generosity of New Zealand's farmers, producers, and partners.
Meet the Need is a farmer-led charity that supplies food to the needy members of the community.
Last month it released its first-ever Impact Report, highlighting the power of community-driven food support.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, Meet the Need delivered over 1.9 million mince and milk meals to families across New Zealand - thanks to the generosity of Kiwi farmers, food producers, and partners who share a belief that no one should go hungry in a country that grows so much.
The charity's three main processing partners are Fonterra, Miraka and meat company Silver Fern Farms.
Meet The Need
2024-25 stats:
- 655,684 mince meals delivered
- 539,952 milk meals shared
- 1,195,636 total servings delivered in 12 months
- 130+ foodbanks and community groups supported monthly
- 659 unique donors this year, 2,047 total to date
- 2.9 million meals delivered since launching in 2020.
