May 27, 2019
Embrace of farm life winner for Roa


A city girl who has made a life as a shepherd on a remote East Coast farm has been named Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of 2019.
20 year-old Kristy Maria Roa from Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Apakura grew up in Hamilton and has intended to travel and work overseas until she attended an open day at the Waipaoa Cadet Training Trust on the East Coast.
After completing the course she found work on the Hauiti Corporation's 2100 hectare Iwinui Station near Tolaga Bay.
She says while she loves the outdoor life, it’s the business aspect of farming that is a major attraction, and her goal is to eventually manage a large sheep and beef station in the area.
Lead judge Peter Little says Ms Roa has shown great commitment to her work and excellent leadership and will do a great job as a role model for other young people contemplating a career in the agribusiness sector.
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