Whangārei A&P Society’s Farm Intern Programme has been a highly successful initiative with more young people eager to learn the ropes of sheep and beef farming – they just need farmers to host them!
Since its inception in 2020, the programme has graduated 60 Level 3 students and 19 Level 4 students. Impressively, all these graduates are still employed, with most remaining in the agricultural sector – a fantastic outcome for Northland’s farming community.
In 2024 alone, sixteen Level 3 and four Level 4 students successfully completed the programme. Now, Whangārei A&P Society is seeking Northland farmers willing to employ keen, energetic interns for the 2025 intake.
Chris Mason, Chief Executive of Whangārei A&P Society, says it is vital to get farmers involved in the programme. “Interns must be employed on a farm to complete the programme. Hosting an intern provides an incredible opportunity to mentor the next generation of agricultural professionals while gaining a motivated worker for your operation. Our tutors and coordinator can provide additional on-farm support to the intern – especially in their first months – so farmers can continue with the business of farming,” she says.
Olivia Weatherburn, B+LNZ’s National Extension Programme Manager, leads B+LNZ’s People & Capability workstream that supports cadetships like the Whangārei Agricultural & Pastoral Society’s farm internship programme.
“If you're looking to invest in the future of our industry, we encourage Northland farmers to consider taking on a intern this year. The programme has a proven track record of developing skilled young people who are passionate about our sector,” she says.
What does hosting involve?
As a host farmer, you’ll need to:
- Provide a minimum of 32 hours of work per week (though many interns are happy to work additional hours).
- Guarantee at least 42 weeks of employment within the calendar year.
- Pay at least the minimum wage (although the training wage may apply initially).
- Depending on location interns may be able to commute to farm, it is not compulsory to provide housing.
- Support the intern’s one-day-a-week classroom learning with programme tutors (February to December).
Programme support for farmers
Host farmers are not required to sign off on any training requirements, as the interns’ classroom and fieldwork are overseen by training staff. Additionally, the programme offers ongoing support for both farmers and interns throughout the year with regular contact from the Whangārei A&P Society team.
Why get involved?
“Hosting a farm intern is a rewarding experience. You’ll contribute to the development of the next generation of farmers, while also benefiting from having a motivated and eager worker on your team,” says Mason.
Learn more about hosting
If you’re interested in hosting an intern or finding out more about the Farm Intern Programme here contact Steve at farm@wap.org.nz or call 0204 401 53366.
Learn more about the 2024 cohort
We spoke to some of the 2024 farm interns and what they enjoyed about the programme on our website here.