Reuben Joyce

Reuben Joyce is proving that you do not need to be born on a farm to build a successful career in agriculture. Raised in Te Atatū South in West Auckland, his early years were spent surrounded by the busy environment of the largest city in New Zealand. He attended Liston College and lived a typical urban life, complete with heavy traffic and concrete.  

But beneath the surface, a different ambition was brewing. A deep appreciation for the outdoors and a growing urge to leave the city limits eventually pointed him in a completely different direction. He decided to pursue a farming apprenticeship with Pāmu. 

For many city teenagers, the agricultural sector can feel like a closed off world. The terminology, the early starts, and the physical demands can be intimidating. Reuben, however, found his way in through family connections. While he did not have the traditional upbringing of a rural kid, he made the most of his weekends and school holidays. He spent this free time helping out on small farms owned by family friends. These early experiences were his introduction to the reality of working with land and livestock. They planted a seed that would eventually grow into a full-time career choice. 

Roots in West Auckland 

When asked who has had the biggest influence on his path so far, Reuben points directly to his father. Having a solid family support system is crucial when deciding to step away from a familiar city environment and enter a demanding physical trade. It takes a certain type of determination to leave what you know behind, and Reuben clearly has that drive to succeed in a new setting. 

Working on lifestyle blocks and small farms out west gave him a taste of the work, but he knew he wanted to take it further. The noise and pace of Auckland were no longer appealing. He wanted a career that allowed him to be outside and work with his hands on a daily basis. 

The Move to Pāmu 

Making the move to Pāmu was a significant step up from the small weekend blocks he was used to. The motivation to join the apprenticeship programme was straightforward and practical. Reuben saw the clear opportunities and the defined career paths that a structured training environment offers. Pāmu, as a large-scale farming organisation, provides a unique training ground for someone looking to learn the industry from the ground up. 

The sheer size of the operation is exactly what drew him in. Reuben notes that the most interesting part of his new role is the chance to work on bigger farms. He is keen to observe and learn the different ways that jobs are tackled on a massive commercial scale. Moving from a casual helper on a small property to a full-time apprentice on a major station is a steep learning curve, but it is one he is ready for. 

Understandably, the transition brought some initial apprehension. Arriving at the station on his first day, Reuben admits he felt nervous. Leaving behind the city for a remote rural setting is a massive life event for a young person. Yet those nerves were matched by a strong sense of anticipation. He was, in his own words, excited to start a new chapter in his life. 

A Focus on Livestock 

Currently, Reuben is focusing his attention on livestock. While he keeps an open mind and notes that his interests might shift as he gains more exposure to different farming systems, working with animals is his primary focus right now. His favourite aspect of the job ties directly back to his original motivation for leaving Auckland. He highly values being involved with nature and animals on a daily basis, far removed from the noise and crowds of his hometown. 

His primary goal for this apprenticeship is highly practical. Reuben wants to use his time at Pāmu to build a solid foundation of skill and knowledge. He aims to become a highly capable and confident farmer. By learning the physical tasks and understanding the daily management of livestock, he is setting himself up for a stable and rewarding future in the agricultural sector. 

Two Wheels and the Outdoors 

Life on a station requires physical fitness and practical skills, and Reuben brings some unexpected advantages from his city life. While he does not currently own a team of working dogs, he is bringing another essential farm skill to the table. Reuben is deeply passionate about dirt bikes and has been riding them since he was four years old. On a large high country station or a sprawling sheep and beef farm, a two wheeler is a vital tool for moving stock and getting around the steep blocks. 

His lifelong experience on a bike means he is already highly capable in navigating tough terrain. Mustering stock on a motorbike requires the rider to read the animals and the land at the same time. Because controlling the bike is second nature to him, Reuben can focus his attention entirely on the livestock, giving him a distinct head start in his daily tasks. 

When he is not in the yards or out on the farm, Reuben maintains a strong connection to the outdoors through his hobbies. Alongside riding motorbikes, he is a keen hunter and enjoys playing a round of golf. These interests show a clear alignment with the rural lifestyle. He is someone who genuinely enjoys being outside, whether he is working hard or relaxing on his days off.