Inspiring the next generation into Food and Fibre careers is the aim of three significant free events for students in the Mid and Lower North Island.
Agri Futures was established by the New Zealand Rural Games Trust to support youth studying Horticulture and Agriculture, and to create unique opportunities for partnership and connection within the education and employment sectors. Last year the team brought the Clash of the Colleges to Auckland and Canterbury as well as Manawatu.
“We’re growing and we’re aiming to take the event back to Auckland in May, Southland in August, and Canterbury again for the third Canterbury Clash later this year,” said General Manager, Daniel O’Regan.
“We aim to motivate, support, and empower rangatahi (young people) to pursue rewarding food and fibre careers. We do this by bringing experts and tools to the table and a bit of celeb with our emcee Tangaroa Walker.”
Clash of the Colleges is a fast-paced, amazing race-style competition that offers students hands-on experience in various aspects of the rural sector. Students work in teams of four to complete 18 hands-on modules within a one-and-a-half-hour timeframe. The modules are run by experts in their field and members of local young Farmer clubs.
The event will be emceed by Tangaroa Walker from Farm 4 Life, an agri-edutainment creator with a massive following of over 340,000. Clash of the Colleges is led by Kristi McLoughlin.
Agri Futures Pathways
Running alongside the Clash of the Colleges is Agri Futures Pathways – a gamified careers expo that aims to open doors for the food and fibre industry, associations, education providers, and councils to connect with rangatahi already interested in a career in the sector.
Tertiary, industry, and training organisations can register now.
North Island Secondary School Shearing Championships
2024 will be the fourth championship held at the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games. This year it is on at 9 am-10:45 am on Saturday 9 March in The Square Palmerston North. Secondary School Registrations can be made to Kain Nixon.
