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Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer of the Year winner Ben Purua. Photo: Alphapix.nz
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Purua, 29 beat the two other finalists for the top prize, awarded before 850 people at Hamilton’s Globox Arena, formerly the Claudelands Event Centre. Attendees included the Maori King Tuheitia, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka.
An emotional Purua thanked his iwi, partner Nikki, family and farm owners - Chap and Ashleigh Zwiers and Jack and Tiz Sheares of Tirau for their support and encouragement.
“I wasn’t the best, I wasn’t the best growing up, but I hope I make you all proud now,” he said holding back tears.
He urged all other young farmers to go hard and be the best you can.
“Thank you for pushing me and for believing in me when I did not believe in myself,” he says.
Purua says he couldn’t have achieved the award without the consistent support of family.
“Me reaching this award encourages any young Maori - no matter your background, where you come from, whatever you’ve been through - anything is possible if you put heart into it and get your mindset right.”
Purua faced adversity in his upbringing in Pukekohe, including exposure to gang life, substance abuse, and domestic violence. This led him on a journey in and out of youth prison and eventually to Waikeria Prison. However, it was during his time at Waikeria Prison that Purua discovered an opportunity to work on the prison farms and this ignited a newfound passion for farming. This transformative experience provided him with a path to positively redirect his life.
He now uses his personal journey of transformation as a presenter at the Waikeria Prison Farm open days. He also actively engages with the community, advocating for youth retention in the food and fibre sector and he serves as a council member of the Food and Fibre youth network. He recently showcased his insights in Wellington as a presenter at the Food and Fibre Centre for Vocational Excellence Conference, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent in the industry. Purua is also an active member of the Piarere Young Farmers.
Despite facing the challenge of dyslexia, Purua has successfully completed his Apprenticeship in Agriculture, along with attaining his Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications in Dairy Farming. He now uses his knowledge to assist individuals contending with dyslexia and brain injuries, providing valuable support and guidance to help them fulfil their own tertiary training requirements.
Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.
The drought breaking rain in Northland was greeted with much joy and delight by the more than 200 people who turned out last week for a field day at the farm of Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust near the east coast settlement of Whangaruru, about 70km from Whangarei.
Farms from Northland and northern Hawke's Bay are the finalists in this year's Ahuwhenua Trophy competition for the top Māori sheep and beef farms.
Maori farms from Northland and Northern Hawkes Bay are the finalists in this year’s prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition for the top Maori sheep and beef farm.
The Māori agriculture sector is experiencing major growth and the Director General of Ministry for Primary Industries Ray Smith says it's an area to watch with its value trebling in the past decade.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
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