Taranaki Manawatu: Regional Final

Ben Fraser

I’m a fourth-generation sheep and beef farmer based in Ohakune, deeply passionate about agriculture, championing farmers’ voices, and showcasing the incredible work they do across New Zealand.

Currently, I serve as the President of Whanganui Federated Farmers and am the co-director of a soil and LUC mapping company, where we assist landowners with their New Zealand Farm Assurance programmes.

In my downtime, you’ll find me exploring the hills, hunting, or soaking up the great outdoors.

Ethan Muir

I grew up in Taranaki on dairy and sheep and beef farms. I’m currently lower-order share milking on 270 cows under the mountain with my wife and daughter.

Karl Wood

I'm in my third year as a 50/50 sharemilker, managing 230 cows in Shannon alongside my wife, Jess, and our 5-month-old daughter, Daisy. I have a deep passion for breeding pedigree cows of all breeds and currently serve as a Senior Holstein and Senior Milking Shorthorn judge.

Before breaking my knee earlier this year, I was an avid footballer, but these days, I’m spending more time on the golf course.

Sarah Lockhart

Currently working as an Agribusiness Analyst for Rabobank New Zealand, I’m excited to be stepping into a new role with Silver Fern Farms’ On-Farm Sustainability team in 2025. I come from a sheep and beef farming background and co-own a farm with my parents just north of Feilding. My partner is a dairy farmer on his family’s farm, and together, we share our lives with our dog, Cass.

Kurt Armstrong

I’m a sheep and beef farmer, leasing my parents’ farm alongside my twin sister just outside of Feilding. I hold a Bachelor of Agriculture from Lincoln University and have a strong passion for the animal science side of farming. In my spare time, I enjoy playing cricket and golf, as well as taking on lifestyle shearing.

Sheldon Mayo

I’m an apprentice diesel mechanic with a passion for 4WDing—any chance I get, you’ll find me out exploring the tracks!

Kate Thomson

I'm a dry stock farmer with a Diploma in Agriculture. In my spare time, I love playing rugby and cricket, catching up with mates over a beer, and spending time with my dog, Scout. I’ve had the privilege of playing rugby for two provinces, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay, and can even say New Zealand’s longest place name! A fun fact about me—there’s a film crew making a documentary about my life that’s been following me for over a year.

My career has always been in the agriculture industry, starting on dairy farms where I worked my way up to operations manager. I’m now working with dry stock but have previously worked as a training advisor for Primary ITO, and my goal is to return to the vocational training space.

Jock Bourke

I’m a third-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science student at Massey University. Originally from a sheep and beef farm in Eketāhuna, I’ve gained a wealth of practical skills and experience that have shaped my passion for the agricultural industry.