Behind the Farm Gate, ahead of the times.
That could well have been the motto for up to 70 Year Hawke's Bay secondary school students who yesterday took part in the Hawke's Bay Behind the Farm Gate rural industries' Big Day Out in Patoka.
Designed to encourage more young Kiwis to consider a career in New Zealand's primary industries, it was a chance for urban students to see behind the scenes and discover the variety of roles that support a working dairy farm.
"One in six New Zealanders work in primary industries, but more youth are needed to meet our growing export demand," says Careers New Zealand acting chief executive Hugh Kettlewell.
He said the Industry Big Day Out allowed students and educators to connect with industry leaders and employers, and open their eyes to the variety of roles, pathways and opportunities available.