Youth take centre stage at East Coast Farming Expo 2026

Every year organiser Sue Wilson ensures there is plenty to engage, inspire and educate the next generation of farmers, with an even bigger offering for 2026 with Thursday officially 'youth day'.

"The East Coast has long attracted shepherds who are starting out because of its good challenging country that offers plenty of work for their dogs and lots of camaraderie," says Wilson.

The two-day mid-week Expo, being held at the Wairoa Racecourse on February 18-19, is the perfect place for youngsters to look, learn and try their hands at all manner of things.

It's free entry for agri-students from schools and cadet training farms in Hawke's Bay, Wairoa and Gisborne who are encouraged to attend and take part where they can.

Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmers of the Year Chloe Butcher-Herries (Ngāti Mahanga, Waikato-Tainui) is one of the seminar speakers on Thursday. Ms Butcher-Herries grew up in Hawke's Bay and long dreamt of being a farmer. Her deep connection with the whenua drives her passion for working on the land and she's always keen to inspire the next generation to follow her lead.

A panel discussion featuring Rex Newman, head of agriculture from Napier Boys' High School, Growing Future Farmers Tairāwhiti manager Taryn Helm, Farmer Time for Schools coordinator Marie Burke, and Kiwi Country Kids' Sally Newall who will explore the opportunities available, future workforce requirements and how best to inspire and support the next generation of farmers.

Helm says there is plenty of momentum within Growing Future Farmers.

"There is a genuine sense of pride across the country in what we are building together and the direction we are heading," she says. "The Expo really captures that energy. It is such a valuable space where industry, educators, farmers, trainers and students all come together. It is not just about showcasing what is out there but also about sharing ideas, learning from each other and building those relationships that strengthen the sector as a whole."

It is a similar story from Marie Burke from Farmer Time.

"Our involvement with the Expo couldn't be timelier, especially given its strong focus on inspiring the next generation," she says. "Our aim is to engage, educate and inspire students from early primary to the intermediate years when many are beginning to consider potential careers."

Sally Newell is also part of the Farmer Time initiative but also setting up an on-farm learning facility at her Patoka property in Hawke's Bay where children will have the opportunity to learn all about farming.

"There used to be a better connection with farming but now fewer kids are growing up on farms and less get to go and stay on family farms during holidays," says Newell.

She's been sharing their ddaily farm life on social media for the last five years but says the focus now is getting children onto farms to see things with their own eyes.

"It is important to capture kids at primary school age and get them interested in learning and caring for animals and the natural world. Creating that meaningful connection is important for the future of our industry."

The popular Rural News Cadet Challenge at 1pm on Thursday will see teams of three go head-to-head chasing cash prizes and the much-coveted trophy.

Wilson says the expo is filled with so much that will engage youngsters.

"We want to inspire them to take that step into the industry."

Event Details

What: East Coast Farming Expo

When: February 18-19, 2025

Where: Wairoa Race Course, Wairoa, Northern Hawke's Bay

More Info: https://eastcoastexpo.co.nz