In this case, the farm is the Taumarunui based free range operation, Rotoiti Eggs which is owned by Roger and Sue Moore who also run organic beef and sheep on their farm. Owner, Roger Moore said that there was “no question of supporting his two on farm workers Sandra and David through their poultry qualifications as it offered a multitude of benefits for both the farm operation and the staff with trained personnel introducing the latest farming information into the workplace.”

For new graduates, Sandra and David, their foray into the poultry industry represents something of a career change for both. A former jockey with a celebrated career spanning several decades, David had hung up his whip and spurs and was looking forward to retirement when a move to Taumarunui posed the opportunity to work for Rotoiti Eggs. Likewise, For Sandra MacKenzie, a Taumarunui local, she had been working in retail and joined Rotoiti Eggs just over a year ago and is relishing her new on farm career.

The poultry sector has been a partner with the Agriculture ITO for many years but it has only been in the past four years since the arrival of executive director Michael Brooks that the industry has seen a renewed commitment to training. Brooks believes passionately in the importance of training both for individuals, employers and for raising the overall level of expertise and competence in the industry. Furthermore, Brooks says “ongoing career development is also an important element of job satisfaction within an industry and this is evident by the offering of multi level and management certificates in the poultry sector.”

The course is part of a government based industry training programme run by the Agriculture ITO Industry Training Organisation who offer formal training programmes across the full spectrum of agricultural sectors. Training Co-ordinator and assessor, Sharon Orr says that the qualifications are “highly recognises and valued as a passport to career opportunities in the industry.” The Agriculture ITO was established in the 1970’s and over the decades has developed to meet the changing and ever evolving needs of this growth sector in what she describes as “developing human capabilities for our industries.”