August 08, 2014
Farm trainees learn new approach
Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu has welcomed the first group of 13 Whenua Kura students, including four wahine.
Kaiwhakahaere tuarua Lisa Tumahai says it's the largest number on any iwi-based farm training programme
The tauira will study for Lincoln University qualifications.
They will specialise in land-based studies, work on Ngai Tahu farms, and get guidance and support through to employment.
Ngai Tahu is adopting cutting edge technology and practices as it converts forestry land to dairy farms, and that should give the students an edge.
"These students will be trained in the practices that are used on our Ngai Tahu farms. They will go out to the sector with a new and different set of skills, with farming practices that are more innovative than we may see around the country. There are a number of fantastic farms that are using the same kind of technology but we have developed some really exciting things out there," Ms Tumahai says.
She says the students come from a number of iwi, although long term the aim of Ngai Tahu mana whenua is to have their own people on their farms.
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