Passing knowledge down the generations The Awhiwhenua programme is going from strength to strength with the appointment of a Practical Tutor. John Carson has the responsibility of teaching on-farm practical skills such as fencing, stock handling, tractor and LUV/ATV training to first year cadets - many of whom arrive with no farming experience at all.
don’t have to do it fast, but you do have to do it right.”
The skills are being taught on a small training block on Te Pā Station where tauira can learn safely with the full support of John and their fellow students.
“Since I was young I had always wanted to go farming. When I left school an old school farmer took me under his wing,” he says. “He taught me a lot and now I’m the old guy passing on my knowledge to others.”
“It’s like training for the Olympics,” says John. “You learn all the basic steps first and over time you become more confident and proficient. You 18
TOITŪ TE WHENUA
John grew up in the lower Rangitīkei District and remembers spending his free time working on both his family and neighbouring farms.
After years of working and managing farms throughout New Zealand, John also gained
experience on a research farm in Ashburton before spending six years teaching agriculture in Tūrangi. This experience teaching young adults and his ability to ensure practical lessons align with NZQA unit standards made him the perfect fit for the incorporation as their first in-house Practical Tutor. John has made huge strides in his role since joining the team due to his positive coaching style, according to Natasha Poloai, People and Safety Manager at Ātihau-Whanganui Inc. “John finds ways to connect with our
