On Friday, 7 March, the focus is on inspiring the next generation into Food and Fibre careers, with five exciting events designed to encourage students to explore future opportunities in the sector.
Agri Futures and NZ Rural Games spokesperson Daniel O’Regan said this year, most youth-focused activities have been consolidated into Friday during the Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games Weekend.
“240 students from across the Mid-Central North Island will gather in The Square for the Agri Futures and Shearing Events, while Timbersports rookies from around the country will also compete.”
Clash of the Colleges – Brought to You by Massey University and CEDA:
A fast-paced, Amazing Race-style competition, Clash of the Colleges gives students hands-on experience across different areas of the rural sector.
In teams of four, students will complete 18 interactive modules in 90 minutes, all led by industry experts and local Young Farmer Club members.
Modules include:
- Chainsaw Sharpening – Vertical Horizonz
- Fencing Tie-Off – Fencing Contractors NZ
- Sulky Race – Harness Racing Manawatu
- Tractor Pull – Deutz Fahr
- Arboriculture Harness Fitting and Knot Tying – Arb Innovations & NZARB
- Digestion Identification – Massey University
- Apiary Setup – Land Based Training
- Handpiece Setup – Primary ITO
- Sheep Drenching – Totally Vets
- Tree Identification – Discover Forestry
- Break Fencing – Gallaghers
- Protecting Our Waterways – Horizons Regional Council
- Wool Marketing Attributes – Wool Works
- Artificial Insemination – MPI’s On-Farm Support Team
- Gumboot Throwing – NZ Boot Throwing Association
- Primary Equipment ID – Primary ITO
- Irrigation with RX Plastics
- CPR First Response with St Johns
This high-energy event will be MC’d by Tangaroa Walker, the agri-edutainment creator behind Farm4Life, with more than 340,000 followers. The competition will be filmed and featured in the 1-hour TV3 Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games highlights show, airing two weeks later.
Special Guests & Notable Attendees: Several high-profile athletes and industry representatives will attend, including:
- Dylan Schmidt – New Zealand’s first Olympic medallist in trampolining
- Cameron Leslie MNZM – Paralympic swimmer and Wheel Black
- Rowland Smith – World record holder and eight-time Golden Shears champion
- Jills Angus-Burny – First woman to win a New Zealand shearing title and former world record holder
- Sir David Fagan – 16-time Golden Shears champion and 10-time world record setter
- Hon. Andrew Hoggard – Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare & Skills)
- Jo Luxton – Opposition Agriculture Spokesperson
- Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith
Agri Futures Pathways – Food & Fibre Careers Day (9 AM – 2 PM)
Students can engage with industry leaders and education providers, including Massey University, Primary ITO, Beef+Lamb, Fencing Contractors NZ, FMG, Vertical Horizonz, UCOL and Horizons Regional Council.
North Island Secondary School Shearing Championships (11:15 AM – 1 PM)
Now in its fifth year, this highly anticipated championship will occur in The Square, Palmerston North. Schools competing in 2025 are: Rathkeale College, Palmerston North Boys’ High School, Feilding High School and Wairarapa College. Secondary schools can register by contacting Kain Nixon ([email protected] | 027 265 9917).
New Zealand Rookies STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Championship
1 PM & 4 PM – The Square, Palmerston North
Featuring top young competitors from across New Zealand and Australia:
- Mather Gower (Hawera)
- Morgan Bolstad (Taumarunui)
- Sam Bellamy (Stratford)
- Sam Unahi (Invercargill)
- Scott Matthews & Jack Matthews (Hokitika)
- Lochie Windley (Rolleston)
- Willie Holye (Victoria, Australia)
