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Wairoa farmers Cameron Hassall and Alice Wilson are one step closer to their dream of owning a farm.
State farmer Pāmu says a programme it's running to help skilled operators into farm ownership is paying dividends.
Last week, the state-owned enterprise announced new equity partners for its Mahiwi Farm in Wairoa, the first livestock property offered under its livestock equity partnership model.
The new equity partners are Cameron Hassall and Alice Wilson, experienced sheep and beef farmers with deep roots in the Wairoa district.
The couple bring a strong track record in livestock performance, farm systems, and community leadership, and see the Mahiwi partnership as a pathway to build equity while staying connected to their local community, Pāmu says.
Mahiwi Farm is a 1,755ha sheep, beef, and forestry property west of Wairoa.
A new entity co-owned by Pāmu and Cameron will lease 708 effective hectares used for sheep and beef farming with Pāmu retaining control of the remainder of the land (forestry and QEII covenants).
Pāmu chief operations officer Will Burrett said the appointment shows the model moving from concept to delivery.
"This is about backing ambitious, capable people into farm ownership," Burrett says.
"Mahiwi is a strong example of how we can support operators to lift farm performance, grow equity, and strengthen business capability while retaining Crown ownership of the land."
The livestock equity partnership builds on Pāmu introducing dairy sharemilking arrangements (including contract milking, variable order, and herd-owning) in 2024.
Cameron Hassall says the Mahiwi equity partnership offered something rare in the sheep and beef sector: a genuine opportunity to grow equity directly on farm. Combined with Mahiwi's proximity to their families, it was a straightforward decision.
"For us, this is about building something real," Alice says.
"We want to grow our stake in Mahiwi, improve the farm's performance, and show that this model works, not just for us, but for other young farmers looking for a way into ownership."
The couple see themselves as committed guardians of the land, with strong values around animal welfare, environmental care, and community involvement.
Between them, they volunteer regularly at local galas, sports events, fundraisers, and the Wairoa A&P Show, where Alice also serves as event manager.
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