Bank gifts $150m farm to school

Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS) will run the 8ha farm that includes facilities to milk cows, rear calves and lambing, a native plant nursery and a small orchard to grow kiwifruit and citrus.

The ASB MAGS Farm, located next to the school, was purchased by the bank in 1933. It was handed over last month as the school's 100th birthday celebrations came to a close.

Under the gifting agreement, the farm retains its name and will provide ongoing farming education at the school in perpetuity.

ASB general manager Rural Banking Ben Speedy told Rural News that discussion to hand over the farm to the school started a year ago.

"With the school's 100th year celebrations and ASB celebrating its 175th year, it felt like an opportune time to gift the farm," he says.

Speedy says the farm has a long history of introducing students to different facets of food and fibre production, helping inspire the next generation of farmers.

ASB chief executive officer Vittoria Shortt says the bank is delighted to gift ownership of the farm.

Shortt says this will ensure that students will continue to benefit from this special learning environment for generations to come.

"Food and fibre production is the backbone of New Zealand's economy, and the farm plays a really important role in attracting young urban talent into these industries.

"We know our young people care deeply about sustainability and this next generation will be critical players as the industry innovates and adapts to meet the challenges and opportunities of climate change and evolving consumer preferences."

Mount Albert Grammar is the second largest school in Auckland. Around 250 students elect to take agri-business courses each year, earning NCEA level one, two and three credits.

The students spend time rearing lambs and calves, milking, drenching, planting trees as well as completing other activities and basic horticulture practices on the farm, which offer them hands on experience and exposes them to a range of potential career pathways in the rural sector.

The farm also hosts regular visitors of all ages from wider community groups, with many enjoying the opportunity to learn about the workings of the farm and spending time outdoors.

MAGS Headmaster, Patrick Drumm says the farm has a 90-year heritage and the school is excited to continue its legacy.

"ASB's gift of this land will allow us to continue futureproofing the facilities and further diversifying the farm and we have ambitious plans for the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of an experience centre to showcase opportunities in the agri-food and fibre sector.

"Our students benefit greatly from this education, and it will be enjoyed by generations to come."

Many students who have graduated from Mount Albert Grammar's agri-business course have gone on to study related subjects at university or enrol in further training.

Sofia Skinner a current Year 13 student is planning to study Agricultural Science at Lincoln University next year.

"I had always dreamed of becoming a farmer but living in the middle of Auckland city, I had never even set foot on a farm before I started at MAGS," says Skinner.

"The courses offered at MAGS provide an incredible learning experience and have opened up new possibilities for me. I'm really excited to pursue farming further and to explore career pathways in the industry."

The farm will now be operated by the MAGS Foundation on the school's behalf.

While ASB will play no part in its governance, discussions are continuing on how the bank may support the farm in the future.