Grace Dolton

For Grace Dolton, the path into agriculture was not a choice made in a classroom, but one forged in the paddocks of Northern Southland. Growing up across Riversdale, Balfour, and Waikaia, her childhood was defined by the rhythm of farm life. It is a background that has given the Pāmu apprentice a grounded perspective and a clear-eyed determination to make her mark on the industry. 

Grace attended Northern Southland College, but her true education happened after school and on weekends. As soon as she was old enough to help, she was out on the land with her parents. This early exposure to the realities of farming, including the long hours, the seasonal shifts, and the constant care required for livestock, did not deter her. Instead, it sparked a lifelong passion. 

Roots in Southland 

The influence of family is a strong thread in Grace’s story. When asked who has had the greatest impact on her career path, the answer is immediate: her father. Watching him work and learning the ropes under his guidance provided more than just technical skills; it instilled a sense of purpose. 

"My upbringing on farms with my parents and my passion for animals inspired me," Grace says. "I want to be part of what is yet to come in the industry and part of change for the good." 

This desire for "change for the good" led Grace to make a bold move at Year 12. She left school to immerse herself in full-time farm work, spending nearly a year working across two different properties near her home. It was during this time that she sharpened her practical skills and confirmed that a career in the outdoors was the only one for her.

The Move to Pāmu 

Joining the Pāmu apprenticeship program represented a significant step away from the familiar landscapes of the south. While Grace was comfortable with the work, moving to a different part of the country to join a new station brought its own set of challenges. 

"On my first day, I was really nervous and out of my comfort zone entirely," she admits. It is a relatable feeling for any young person starting a new chapter, but for Grace, the remedy was simple: getting to work. "I warmed up when I got to get out there doing what I love." 

The motivation to join Pāmu was twofold. First, it offered a structured pathway to gain Primary ITO qualifications while remaining in a hands-on, physical role. Second, it offered the scale and community that comes with working for New Zealand’s largest farmer. 

This sense of being "looked after" allows her to focus on the grit of the daily mahi. 

Master of Her Craft 

While Grace is keen to learn every aspect of the trade, her heart belongs to livestock. She is particularly focused on mastering the physical tasks that define a skilled shepherd. She is looking forward to refining her techniques in crutching, shearing, and processing muttons. 

"I’m looking forward to learning my own techniques to keep up with everyone else," she says. This competitive but practical drive is a hallmark of her approach to work. 

Her dedication to animals extends beyond the farm gate. Outside of work, Grace is passionate about breeding and raising animals. This interest isn't just a hobby; it’s a skill she has already proven. Three years ago, she bred and trained her own heading dog, Pip. In the world of shepherding, a dog you have started yourself is a badge of honour and a testament to patience and understanding of animal behaviour. 

"I’m very keen and passionate for my livestock. I want to produce a stable career and future for myself and the agricultural industry." 

Fitness and Focus 

To keep up with the physical demands of station life, Grace prioritises her fitness. It’s a discipline that complements her work, ensuring she has the stamina for the steep hills and long days that come with high country farming. When she isn't in the yards or out on the blocks, you’ll likely find her working on her strength and conditioning or tending to her pets. 

And while she is deeply serious about her career, she isn't without a sense of fun. When asked about hidden talents, she reveals she can moonwalk, a skill that might not help with drafting sheep but certainly adds a bit of character to the wool shed during a break. 

Looking to the High Country 

Grace describes herself in three words: passionate, determined, and outdoorsy. These traits are essential for her long-term goal. While she is currently focused on completing her apprenticeship and gaining her levels, her ultimate dream is to become a manager on a high country station. 

The high country represents the pinnacle of New Zealand shepherding: rugged terrain, vast scenery, and complex livestock management. For someone who loves the variation of the outdoors and the fact that the scenery is not always in the same place, it is the perfect fit.