UK/NZ farm jobs exchange

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 266, 6 December 1988, Page 7

UK/NZ farm jobs exchange

The opportunity for young New Zealand farmers to live and work in the United Kingdom for four months is being investigated by an English charitable trust which aims to promote agriculture.

If the proposal goes ahead it would reciprocate an e x i s t i n g opportunity for young British farmers to live and work in New Zealand on the trust's Waikato farm, Limestone Downs. Massey University has been involved with running and improving the property since 1981,

in line with the wishes of its former owner, the late Charles Alma Baker, who wanted his substantial estate used to further the science of agriculture. Two English trustees of Mr Baker's Will, Roger Moore and Robin Boyes, were at Massey University this week on a regular bi-

ennial visit to discuss the operation of Limestone Downs and the administration of research and study grants provided by the trust. The travel scheme allows a young British farm worker to live and work at Limestone Downs for three months to experience farming methods and systems different to those she or he encounters at home. They then have a month of "travel and study" Turn page 13

UK - NZ farm exchange

From page 7 around New Zealand. Four British youngsters (usually aged between 17 and 25) come to Limestone Downs each year under the scheme. Mr Moore said the scheme worked very well from the English trustees' point of view. "They're usually young, practical, working farmers and the opportunity is a unique one for them. They're selected on a national basis through the Young Farmers' Club. Now we're looking at the possibility of a reciprocal arrangement." Massey University's assistant to the ViceChancellor in charge of farms and associated research Mr Kevin Lowe, who is a member

of the New Zealand committee of the C. Alma Baker Trust, said details of the proposal were still being looked at but it was hoped to have the exchange underway within the next 12 months.