Business Rural Autumn 2021

10 | Farming advocate ‘leads by example’ Richard Loader RURAL PEOPLE » Bernadette Hunt S outhland drystock farmer Bernadette Hunt hopes if there is a key message from her success at the Primary Industries Awards it is that just because you can’t take on a high profile national role doesn’t mean you can’t make a big difference. The primary industry’s ‘Leadership Award’ was presented to Bernadette at Te Papa in Wellington last November. Initiated by Federated Farmers, The Primary Industries awards are in their second year and aim to recognise and celebrate achievement within New Zealand’s most valuable industry. Bernadette’s award recognised her commitment to advocating for farming, particularly given her efforts to highlight the challenges farmers face nationwide, measuring up to the government’s new freshwater regulations. Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Cope- land said: “Bernadette has the rare combination of having a clear vision of what’s right and wrong, being able to articulate a strong message and bring others on the journey. She absolutely leads by example.” Bernadette says her nomination for the award came as a surprise to her because, while she is the Southland Federated Farmers Vice President, she does not have a leadership position as such. “I don’t set out to be an industry leader, I just advocate on issues that I am passionate about. There has been a lot going on in Southland over the last few years and I’ve been heavily involved in responses around M-Bovis, drought support, flood support, winter grazing and water regulation. I guess I was just driven to tell farming’s side of the story.” Like so many strong leaders demonstrating efficacy, Bernadette is humble in her achievements, saying that she does not see herself as a leader, but just wants to do her best to communicate the farm- ers point of view on a range of issues. “As a mum and an active player in our farming business, I’m not in a position to take on national positions that require me to be in Wellington several days a week. So it’s really awesome to be recog- nised for doing what I do on my own patch and to see that has so much impact. And I hope that is a message other people can get.” Bernadette has been farming in partnership with her husband Alistair since the couple bought land in Gore fourteen years As a local member of your community, Findex understands the support that agribusiness needs to thrive. DRIVING LOCAL FARMING SINCE 1958 JJ Ltd GORE | 14 Lyne Street | Phone: 03 203 9970 Covering Otago & Southland 0800 227 226 www.advance-agriculture.co.nz Proud to support Hunt Agriculture at the Primary Industry Awards Specialist Suppliers of Agricultural Chemical, Seed, Spray Equipment & GPS Precision Ag PHOTOS: Bernadette Hunt with daughters Charlotte (11) and her pet Hereford buddy, and Hannah (7). Bernadette accepting the Leadership award at the PINZ conference and with husband Alistair. While not breeders, the couple finish sheep and beef and include arable farming in the mix. With rolling contours, the land is not typical arable country, but the flatter contours are selected for crops, while the rest of the farm is home to beef and sheep. “I’ve always loved farming: says Bernadette. “I think it has always been in me — working with animals, nature, the combination of strategy and physical work, working as a couple in our business, and the great opportunity it offers our two children to grow into resilient and practical people.” Bernadette admits that with both she and Alistair working on the farm, achieving a work life balance is their biggest challenge. “When we get home in the evenings we’ve often not seen each other all day and there are things we have to catch up on about the business. It is something we struggle to get right all of the time. But we’re getting better at it all the time too.” The purchase of a spa pool last year has allowed phone free times to chat and enjoy the night sky.