Children pamper calves, learn about farm life
From August each year a special group of 'helpers' descend on Julie and Brian Pirie's farm at Ngatea in the Hauraki Plains.
Eight talented secondary students across New Zealand have been awarded Agri Futures scholarships, supporting their tertiary education.
These scholarships, made possible by the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, have been funded by an anonymous supporter and the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games.
The recipients, all with a strong passion for rural life and a dedication to the future of agriculture, come from diverse rural backgrounds.
In 2025, they will pursue various agricultural and related studies.
The scholarship recipients are:
Alongside the secondary school scholarships, the New Zealand Rural Game Trust awarded a $1250 scholarship to Otago University's Brodie England, a second-year Exercise & Sport Science student.
England participated in the Primary Industry Academy at Geraldine High School where he was deputy head boy. Alongside his studies, he is the captain of a 1st XV and was involved in the Crusaders U18 camp.
His long-term goal is to develop a performance analysis business to offer high-end technology to rural sports clubs, ensuring they have the tools to compete at the same level as their urban counterparts.
New Zealand Rural Games Trust chair Brendan Bourke says that initially the Trust was only going to offer five scholarships. However, the quality of applications was so high they had to secure more funds.
"We are incredibly proud to support these young rural athletes and future agricultural leaders," Bourke says.
"Their passion for farming is evident, and we hope the scholarships will help them achieve their goals and contribute to the future of farming," he says.
Agri Futures Scholarships are awarded to youth from a rural background who are either:
The scholarships aim to support the next generation of agricultural professionals in New Zealand.
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