Ben Purua

Ben Purua, the 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award winner, is a Farm Manager at Waimakariri Lands Ltd, overseeing a 540-cow dairy farm near Tirau in South Waikato.

He is also the 2024 NZ Dairy Manager of the Year for the Central Plateau and the winner of the 2024 National NZ Dairy Industry People and Leadership Award.

Overcoming a challenging upbringing in Pukekohe, Ben found his passion for farming during his time in Waikeria Prison. He now mentors others, aiming to establish a transition farm for reintegrating ex-prisoners.

Active in the community, Ben advocates for youth involvement in the food and fibre sector and assists individuals from challenging backgrounds like his own.

He is a council member of The Food and Fibre Youth Network - He Tatai Rangahua. Alongside his wife Nikki, he promotes well-being through their clothing line, Kāmu tō Pāmu. Follow his journey on social media at ‘FarmUpNz’ on Facebook and Instagram.