| 9 second term on the Vetora Bay of Plenty board and he says the position gives him insight about the challenges of the veterinary industry and allows him to offer support and hopefully solutions to management. “It is about governance and also about representing the members, who are farmers, and making sure Vetora Bay of Plenty provides the best service for its clients.” Carlos says he feels privileged to be part of these boards and contribute positively to the discussion. Carlos is looking forward to starting as a Justice of the Peace once he’s been sworn in by the District Court judge. He was nominated for the position by local MP Todd McClay, with support from organisations and individuals who he has had the pleasure of working with. Carlos says in all the rural communities he and Bernice have lived in since 2001, it is normally the farmers, who are the busiest people around, who are the ones who are more than happy to help and volunteer their time. “I’m just another farmer who likes to do that as well.” Towards the dream of farm ownership The Delos Santos Family - Back Bernice, Caleb, Carl, Carlos. Front Casey, Claire and Cara and the family dog Hunter. Kelly Deeks As he works his way towards his dream of farm ownership, 50/50 sharemilker Carlos Delos Santos takes some time away from the farm to get really involved in his local community, setting a good example to his children by doing something he considers important. Carlos and his wife Bernice have been in the dairy industry since 2001, working their way up and continuing to grow their business and their herd with farm ownership in their sights. Now in their third season 50/50 sharemilking 1000 cows at Hamurana near Rotorua, Carlos says he and his family will be settled in the area for the foreseeable future, allowing him the opportunity to get and stay involved in a number of community and industry organisations. “Farming can be mentally draining at times and that drives me to do something outside of the farm,” he says. “I think my drive personally to do these things is not only to give back to the community, but also for the learnings I can get from it, the networks and the knowledge from other people.” After completing Fonterra Governance Development Programme a few years ago, Carlos realised he had a passion for governance. He is now coaching two football teams, is a board member of John Paul College Rotorua, a board member of his local vet club Vetora Bay of Plenty, and is now awaiting being sworn in as a Justice of the Peace. Not content with sitting on the sidelines, Carlos wanted to be more hands-on with his five kids, their sports, and their education. Coaching two of their football teams and joining the school board has given him a great opportunity to be more involved. “I’m certainly busy,” he says. “By the time we go to the football practice, then there is a game every Saturday and that’s the whole day. It can be a challenge during the busy months on the farm, so I don’t put my hand up for everything, and I always talk to Bernice about what I’m going to do. She is the angel on my shoulder and she reminds me not to go overboard.” Carlos is a family man and won’t compromise time with his family. “But if I can be part of whatever sports or achievements my kids do at school, I’ll drop everything and go. It’s a balance of making sure I don’t let the farm down while taking on these responsibilities.” Carlos is now in his RURAL PEOPLE » Carlos Delos Santos - Waerenga
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