32 | 20 Kensington Street, Putaruru Tel: 07 883 8077 Proudly supporting Waimakariri Lands Ltd Ben steps up to champion Meet the Need Since starting his dairy career in 2016, Ben has risen through the ranks to become an inspiring industry leader. Kim Newth Award-winning dairy leader Ben Purua is off to a flying start as Meet the Need’s first official charity ambassador. Meet the Need is a farmer-founded and farmer-led charity that provides people in need with quality protein. The vision is that no one should go hungry or unnourished in New Zealand. Ben is proud to be championing that vision, after stepping up as the charity’s ambassador in July. “I’ve been talking to quite a few farmers about Meet the Need and what it does and sharing the kaupapa through social media platforms,” he says. “Now I’m starting to connect with groups and events that will help build further awareness - I’m beginning to get a feel for where I can add the most value.” Raised in Pukekohe, Ben knows what it’s like to go hungry, having had a tough upbringing that ultimately culminated in prison time. Discovering a passion for the land while working on a prison farm is what planted the seed for change in Ben’s life. Since starting his dairy career in 2016, he has risen through the ranks to become an inspiring industry leader and today works as a farm manager at Waimakariri Lands Ltd, near Tirau, on an 187ha property, milking 540 cows. He won national recognition last year as 2024 Central Plateau Dairy Manager of the Year, 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer of the Year and National People & Leadership Award winner. “It was easy for me to say ‘yes’ to this role with Meet the Need. I know what it’s like to come from nothing, from poverty. I’ve always dreamed of giving back and helping whanau. I’m proud to be Meet the Need’s first ambassador because I can see how important it is for raising awareness within the farming community. Farmers care so much about those who are struggling, but some may be unsure of what they can do to contribute and help. Giving to Meet the Need is a great way to help people in need to get good nutrition.” It has been a whirlwind year for Ben since winning all the awards last year. Sharing his experiences of overcoming adversity through farming has propelled him into the spotlight as a sought-after speaker and role model. “I’ve been given a platform I never thought I’d have – it’s humbling and sometimes quite overwhelming, but I mostly see it as an opportunity to share my story and inspire others, especially young people who I hope can see that farming is a rewarding career.” He is also keen to build bridges between rural and urban communities – he says both have their own struggles. “By working together, we can really turn things around.” Ben says he is grateful to be working for supportive owners who have backed him every step of the way. “We have a really great team on the farm - and my beautiful wife Nikki and our children keep me motivated and on my toes too.” RURAL PEOPLE » Waimakariri Lands Ltd “It’s awesome to see Ben’s leadership and contributions being recognised in this way. His ability to use social media to positively highlight the benefits of farming to everyday New Zealanders adds another strong voice for progress in the ag sector.” - Hemi George, Branch Manager – Brandt Cambridge Last year, Ben and Nikki launched clothing brand ‘Kamu to Pamu (‘Calm Your Farm’) as a vehicle to lift positivity in the rural sector. As well, Ben regularly shares upbeat news about farming on social media via FarmUpNZ. “The support we’ve had has been awesome.”
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