Graduate brings passion for farming

Dawson, a 21-year-old Bachelor of Agricultural Science graduate from Massey University, may have grown up in the urban sprawl of Auckland, but his heart has always been rooted in rural New Zealand.

His connection to the land runs deep, thanks to his family’s dairy farm in Te Poi near Matamata, where his ancestors have farmed for over 100 years.

“I spent every holiday on the farm, getting stuck in and learning the ins and outs of farming,” says Dawson. “That connection to the land, and to my family’s heritage, has always been a huge part of my life, and it’s what drove me to study at Massey. My time on my family’s farm and working at Te Paenga are both examples of successful inter-generational farming while protecting the land for years to come.”

Te Paenga is a sheep and beef station under Ātihau Whanganui Incorporation. Dawson’s time there opened his eyes to the vital role Māori agribusiness plays in the rural sector.

“Te Paenga was a game-changer for me,” he explains. “I saw firsthand the importance of kaitiakitanga - guardianship of the land - and how deeply ingrained Māori culture is in sustainable land management. Māori agribusiness is an integral part of New Zealand agriculture, and I believe it will play a crucial role in the future of farming.”

Perrin Ag’s Empower Graduate Programme, launched in 2021, offers young graduates hands-on experience across multiple primary industry sectors and mentorship from seasoned consultants.

Perrin Ag managing director Lee Matheson says, “Rhys is confident, yet self-aware. It was clear that he knows himself well and what he wants to achieve in the industry. That kind of clarity and focus is exactly what we look for in our Empower graduates.

“What really impressed us was how genuine Rhys is. He has a natural ability to connect with people, which I think will resonate well with farmers. He’s a great fit for our team and will contribute to the culture we’ve built here.

“Rhys also showed a deep commitment to excellence. He has a great understanding of the challenges facing the agricultural sector and a studious approach to solving them. His knowledge and balanced way of thinking make him a valuable asset to Perrin Ag.”

As New Zealand’s agriculture sector increasingly focuses on sustainability, the role of Māori agribusiness and traditional land management practices is becoming more significant. Dawson is eager to contribute his experience and learn from Perrin Ag’s experts, especially in the fields of environmental management and farm systems.

“Perrin Ag has a strong reputation for leading environmental research and sustainability efforts, which aligns perfectly with my passion for protecting and improving the land through responsible farming,” says Dawson.

“Many farmers want to adopt sustainable practices but often lack the time and resources they need to make it happen. Perrin Ag can provide that guidance and bridge the gap.”

Dawson’s urban background also gives him a unique perspective on farming systems.

“Growing up in Auckland gave me a different view of the world. I’ve learned to look at things holistically and consider how everything is interconnected. That mindset will be valuable in helping Perrin Ag tackle complex challenges in the agricultural sector.”