Aidan King

Aidan King was born and raised into the agricultural way of life. Growing up thirty-five minutes out of Taihape, tucked away in the Kawhatau Valley underneath the Ruahine Ranges, he was surrounded by steep country and traditional farming from day one. For Aidan, agriculture is not just a job option; it is a lifelong passion. He describes himself in three simple words: resilient, hardworking, and dedicated. These are exactly the traits needed to carve out a successful, long-term career in the New Zealand primary sector. 

Roots in the Kawhatau Valley 

Before joining the apprenticeship programme, Aidan was already well versed in the realities of station life. He grew up on a family sheep and beef farm, learning the daily routines and the seasonal shifts that dictate the farming calendar. During his teenage years, he also took on casual agricultural work around the local valley. This hands-on experience gave him a clear understanding of the physical demands of the job. 

To support his practical knowledge, Aidan attended Feilding Agricultural High School. This school has a strong reputation for producing highly capable young farmers who understand both the practical and theoretical sides of the primary industries. 

However, his most important education came from closer to home. When asked who has had the greatest influence on his career choice, Aidan points straight to his father. His dad served as his main role model in the industry, taking the time to pass down generations of rural knowledge. Learning to farm from a parent in rugged country instils a deep sense of respect for the land and the livestock.

The Move to Pāmu 

Stepping away from the home valley to start a formal apprenticeship is a major milestone for any young person. On his first day at the station, Aidan admits he felt a bit nervous. It is a completely natural reaction when moving to a new property and working with a new team. But those nerves were matched by a strong eagerness to see all the opportunities he could take on in this new environment. 

His motivation for joining the training programme was clear from the start. He wanted to build on his existing passion for the sector and actively develop his skills. Working for a large-scale operation provides a unique training ground. What stands out most to Aidan is the chance to meet and work alongside other young people who share the exact same drive and work ethic as he does. Building a network of like-minded peers is highly valuable for a young farmer building their career.

Dogs and Drystock 

Aidan is very clear about where his farming interests lie. He is firmly focused on the livestock sector, specifically sheep and beef. He enjoys the highly physical nature of drystock farming. For him, the absolute best part of working outdoors is simply being out in nature and getting his hands dirty. 

While he brings a solid foundation of general farming knowledge, there is one specific area he is highly focused on developing during his time as an apprentice. Currently, he does not own any working dogs. Learning how to breed, break in, and command a full team of dogs is at the top of his priority list. 

In the sheep and beef sector, a capable shepherd relies heavily on their dog team to muster large blocks of land safely and efficiently. Understanding how to train a young, energetic pup into a reliable heading dog or a strong huntaway is a complex and highly rewarding skill. It takes immense patience, and Aidan is ready to put the time into mastering it. 

Rugby and the Outdoors 

Life in rural New Zealand is about more than just the daily farm work. It requires a good balance of community involvement and outdoor recreation to stay fresh. Outside of farming, Aidan is deeply passionate about the outdoors and enjoys a good game of rugby. Playing local club rugby is a highly traditional way for young farmers to maintain their fitness, connect with the local community, and get off the farm for a few hours each week during the winter months. 

Alongside the footy field, his interests lean heavily toward heavy machinery. He genuinely enjoys spending time on motorbikes and tractors. Operating different types of machinery is a daily reality on most large stations. Having a natural interest in how engines work and knowing how to handle a two-wheeler safely on steep, wet terrain, is a massive practical advantage for his daily work on the station. 

Looking to Farm Management 

Aidan has set himself a highly structured set of targets for his future career. In the short term, he is fully focused on completing his Primary ITO Level 3 and Level 4 agriculture certificates. Gaining these formal qualifications will back up his practical farming experience and prove his capability to future employers in the sector. 

Looking further ahead, he has his sights set firmly on senior leadership. Within the next five years, he wants to secure a role as a head shepherd, which is the natural stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of becoming a farm manager. He is keeping his options open regarding where this might happen, noting he would be equally happy managing a property for Pāmu or taking the reins on a private farm. 

He also has a long-term geographic goal in mind. While he grew up in the central North Island, he aims to take his skills down south one day. The southern regions of New Zealand offer massive sheep and beef stations and entirely different weather systems, presenting an excellent challenge for an ambitious young farmer wanting to test their management skills.