Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year Ben Purua has overcome obstacles that many would find insurmountable, and taken things a whole lot further by ensuring there are pathways for others who struggle to find their way in life.

Ben grew up in a gang fuelled environment that saw him in prison at 16 where he discovered the importance of connection to the whenua and the beauty of wide open spaces.

“Prison was a turning point for me,” he says. “It forced me to take a hard look at my life and where I was heading. While it was a difficult experience, it gave me the opportunity to reflect and refocus on what really mattered. It was also given the opportunity to work out on the farms in Waikeria Prison and I don’t think I would have ended up farming if I wasn’t given that experience.”

It was so impactful on him that he now mentors others and show them there is hope. “I hope my story resonates with our rangatahi (young people) and those who may feel like they’re facing challenges that seem too hard to overcome,” says Ben. “I want others to see that no matter where you come from, or what obstacles stand in your way, there’s always a path forward if you remain grounded and connected to your values. I also hope it connects with others who, like me, had to take a long journey to find their calling.

He knows how difficult the transition from prison can be.

“I had to unlearn old habits and embrace a completely new lifestyle. But farming grounded me. It gave me a connection to the land and a sense of purpose that I hadn’t felt before. It gave me a clear path forward.”

It’s that grounding and purpose he gives to rangatahi and former prisoners. “I work with those who’ve been in the prison system to help them find purpose, just like I did. I want them to see that farming and reconnecting with the whenua can be transformative. Farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life that can help people turn things around. It is a privilege to be a steward of the land.”

It was tough for Ben to find work when he left prison in 2015. After many, many unsuccessful job applications he finally landed one at Waimakariri Lands Limited, and he’s still there but slightly further up the chain than he was. The 30-year-old is the farm manager, overseeing the management of a 540- cow system 5 dairy farm near Tirau in the South Waikato where he has introduced sustainable farming practices that align with Māori values of kaitiakitanga.

“I ensure that our approach is holistic, considering not just the land and animals but also the people involved.”

As well as winning the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy, he also won the New Zealand Dairy Awards Central Plateau Dairy Manager of the Year.

“Winning the Ahuwhenua Trophy was an incredible honour,” he says. “It represented not just my personal achievements but the success of my whānau, I also believe these awards recognise the importance of Māori farming practices and how deeply intertwined our identity is with the land.”

The Manager of the Year award was also an “incredible” moment and milestone. “I struggle with reading and writing so completing a presentation to a panel of judges was very scary. I also really enjoyed the whole NZ Dairy Industry Award experience and I’ve met some amazing people all over the country that I probably would have never met and who have become friends.” 

Farming has given Ben structure and purpose.

“It’s a lifestyle that teaches patience, discipline and hard work. It’s also closely aligned with my Māori values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the land. The life I lead now feels deeply connected to those values, and farming has provided me with the foundation to give back to my community and support others.”

He credits his solid support network with his success. “My wife Nikki, my mentors, and my whānau have been my biggest supporters, and their belief in me gave me the confidence to push through the challenges. In farming and in life, having people who back you makes all the difference. It keeps you grounded and reminds you why you’re doing the hard work.”

His success story has also impacted his wider whānau too who have seen the power of resilience and that there is another lifestyle out there to be had. “It has been rewarding to see the ripple effect of my choices,” he says.

As if his work on the dairy farm and support of rangatahi and former prisoners doesn’t keep him busy enough he is also involved with the Food and Fibre Youth Council and the Māori Leadership Development Group. “I think these groups all provide much-needed support and are doing critical work to bridge gaps.”

Long term he would like to create a space where prisoners transitioning out of prison can work and regain a sense of identity and belonging.

“It’s about helping them find stability and a fresh start and then to transition them with wrap around support,” says Ben. “Farming is very spiritual for me and I want others to be able to find that connection.”

Thanks to Rural Support Trust Hawke’s Bay, Ben will speak on Wednesday at 3pm, following the Beef + Lamb Station Challenge.