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Mahraaz Hussein

Dairy Farm Manager
Eyrewell Dairy Unit

Jack of all trades

Mahraaz Hussein left a design career to work with dairy animals in Aotearoa, trading the tropics of Nadi, Fiji for the crisp air of North Canterbury. 

The Eyrewell manager has made a long and storied journey to Pāmu. Mahraaz was formerly a graphic artist and web designer among other vocations in his home country of Fiji. As a self-made jack of all trades Mahraaz models the virtues of continual learning and staying agile. 

“Take your pick, I’ve done it all. From working in logistics, welding, office work, handyman, hammerhand, through to web design. Growing up in a smaller economy you have to learn to adapt and go where the work is. That attitude has positioned me well to thrive in the agriculture industry - I still take pride in continuing to learn and be across industry trends.”

He says one of his friends in Rakaia introduced him to the dairy industry, and he began working for Pāmu in Canterbury in 2015 before moving to the Moutua complex in 2019 to manage the Tasman Dairy Unit. 

“It’s been a big change joining the dairy industry, but I haven’t looked back. I find it quite a peaceful environment working on a dairy farm and think I am going to continue in dairy." 

Since joining Pāmu, Mahraaz has gained a Diploma in Agribusiness and embraced our strategic focus of farming excellence, bagging two Top Farm awards while managing Tasman and a Top Farm award while he was 2IC at Waimakariri Dairy Unit. 

He was also a finalist in the Canterbury-North Otago Dairy Industry Awards, picking up two merit awards in 2018/2019 season, placing second in Manawatu Dairy Awards 2020-2021 season and third place in Canterbury-North Otago Dairy Industry Awards in the 2021-2022 season. 

“Farming excellence is about getting the basics right. It’s about looking after assets, animals and land, setting up for the future. It’s being aware of what’s happening on the cutting edge of the industry, learning and implementing, seeing what your neighbour’s doing, and keeping the company values to heart – as well as personal values." 

Mahraaz says solid communication between team members is the oil that keeps the wheels turning.

“A successful day starts with everyone on the same page, once the day starts rolling easy it ends easy.” 

“Some of the highlights of working for Pāmu have been managing a million-dollar property, driving production and having the company reciprocate that with support and development. Being able to complete PrimaryITO studies and having those mentors who want to see you succeed like Brendon Stent and Tony Dowman before he moved on”. 

On that note, it’s natural that the Pāmu value of shoulder-to-shoulder is the one that resonates with Mahraaz and the Eyrewell team. 

“It’s shoulder-to-shoulder for me. It’s about supporting and listening to your colleagues, making sure everyone’s happy and looking out for each other. Everyone’s got a unique perspective and something valuable to contribute. That includes junior team members too — going shoulder-to-shoulder to further their knowledge.”

At Eyrewell, shoulder-to-shoulder extends beyond the farm gate. 

“We’ve got an awesome relationship with our neighbours at Ngāi Tahu. It’s important us farmers look out for each other and have good communication for those unexpected events, not to mention having that human connection and having a yarn over the fence. The same goes for our colleagues up the road at Waimakariri”. 

As for the North Canterbury scenery compared to the tropical climate of Fiji, Mahraaz reckons you can’t beat the crisp morning air and snowy backdrop of the Southern Alps. 

“I don’t mind the cold mornings. On a clear winter’s day the view is absolutely beautiful." 

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