It was an ordinary Thursday for most of us this week, but not for Southland shearer Megan Whitehead. Yesterday Megan spent nine hours tackling the women’s world lamb shearing record near Gore. Former women’s world record holder Jills Angus Burney (and the only woman to have beaten David Fagan) was supporting Megan as her mentor. “Megan achieved the […]
Training
WOMOLife Wins Wool Harvesting Training Contract
Kaiaka Wool Industry Training NZ has awarded the contract for its new $1.8 million pilot training programme to multi-format training provider WOMOLife. Kaiaka will train up to 270 shearers and wool handlers and create 150 new jobs. At least 70% of new employees will be Māori. Kaiaka will also establish two wool harvesting (shearing and […]
Scholarship allows dream career in beekeeping to take flight
A Bay of Plenty teen has been given a boost to his dream career in beekeeping after receiving the 2020 Apiculture New Zealand Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship. Ohope-based Angus Brenton-Rule was thrilled to win the scholarship, which provides $2000 to support training and set up costs for new beekeepers, a one-year membership to industry body […]
Could you be a mentor for winners of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award?
Eight winners of the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award are seeking mentors to support them in reaching their personal, business and career goals. The 6-month mentoring programme will start at the beginning on 2021. The Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award was inaugurated in 2012, recognising the success of young Māori making their careers in the agricultural sector. […]
Providers wanted for new $1.8m wool training programme
The wool industry is seeking providers for its new $1.8 m pilot training programme – Kaiaka Wool Industry Training NZ. Declining sheep numbers, poor wool prices and Covid border restrictions have combined to create a serious shortage of shearers in New Zealand. NZ Shearing Contractors’ Association chief executive Phil Holden says: “The ratio of shearers […]