Ben Purua. Photo: Supplied / Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards
Our next guest is someone with an incredible story of how farming turned his life around.
Ben Purua is a finalist for Kiwibank's Young New Zealander of the Year and currently holds the title of Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year and was named Dairy Manager of the Year for the Central Plateau region.
The talented farmer grew up in a cycle of crime and at 15 years old was charged with manslaughter, serving time at Waikeria Prison.
There, he discovered his passion for farming and now supports ex-prisoners and troubled youth into agriculture.
Ben is in Tirau and speaks to Mihi.
