The future of people capability in the New Zealand agri-sector

Abstract

I feel very passionate about the perceived lack of awareness on the whole in the rural sector in developing the young people's interest and understanding of what he Agri-sector can offer as a career and lifestyle. Another concern is the lack of direction in many cases once people are on their career path within the Agri sector. Agriculture is the back bone of our economy and a huge part of our identity as New Zealanders. After giving the subject some serious thought for some three or four months I thought what better way to try and make a change but to looking into a case study where an organisation is making head way and explore why it is gaining momentum. The subject was like opening a can of worms so I have narrowed the topic to a case study of New Zealand Young farmers and touched on the initiatives that are being implemented currently and ones that can be looked at going forward to aid in developing people. We are continuing to struggle to fill roles in agriculture based courses throughout some education providers nationally and by working on the "people" factor we should address the short falls we are experiencing.