Tori Cheetham

Growing up in Rere, a rural farming community located about an hour inland from Gisborne, Tori Cheetham was immersed in agriculture from day one. Attending Gisborne Girls High School, she always knew her path lay outdoors.  

Today, as an apprentice at Pāmu, she is turning her childhood environment into a formal career path. She describes herself as funny, caring, and determined. These three traits bring a positive and focused attitude to her daily work on the station, setting her up well for a long future in the industry. 

Roots in Tairāwhiti 

For Tori, farming is fundamentally tied to family. Her father is the biggest influence on her career choice. Her early years were spent heading out on the farm with him, observing the daily routines and absorbing the practical knowledge required to run a property. 

The East Coast is known for its rugged terrain and traditional sheep and beef stations. Learning the ropes in this environment provides a highly resilient foundation for any young farmer. Being brought up around farming gave her a massive head start. It meant she already understood the long hours, the physical demands, and the deep satisfaction that comes from working on the land before she even left school. 

The Move to Pāmu 

Entering the apprenticeship programme was a calculated step for her career. Tori already had prior farming experience, but she recognized the need for formal qualifications and broader exposure to progress further. She arrived on her first day at the station feeling fully excited for the work ahead. 

Her main motivation for joining the training programme was the structured support it offers. She knew she would get the backing required to achieve her Primary ITO Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications. Gaining these papers while working full time on the farm is a major advantage for young people looking to move up the ranks. 

Furthermore, she valued the chance to be taught by a variety of experienced people. Working alongside different managers and shepherds across the Pāmu network allows her to see multiple approaches to the same task. Whether it is setting up a break fence, handling livestock in the yards, or planning a grazing rotation, every farmer has a slightly different technique. As she notes, she is most looking forward to learning how to do things in lots of different ways, which builds excellent problem-solving skills. 

Broadening Horizons 

One of the main draws of the apprenticeship is the exposure to completely new farming systems. While her background is strongly tied to traditional livestock, Tori is taking the opportunity to experience working with deer and spending time on dairy units. 

Understanding how different agricultural sectors operate makes her a more adaptable and capable farmer. Deer farming, for example, requires a very calm and specific approach to stock handling, which translates well back into handling sheep and beef. 

Mastering Livestock and Leadership 

Tori is highly focused on her long-term goals. She knows exactly where she wants to be and what she needs to learn to get there. Her primary interest remains firmly in livestock. However, she understands that stepping up in the agricultural sector requires more than just good physical stockmanship. To become a leader, she is actively focusing on the science and management side of the operation. 

She is using her time on the station to gain a deep understanding of feed quality and grazing management. Knowing how to measure pasture, allocate feed correctly, and manage grass growth through the different seasons is essential knowledge for anyone wanting a leadership role. It is the core of profitable farming. 

Alongside the technical skills, Tori is also focusing on developing her people skills. Farming is a team effort. A good head shepherd or stock manager needs to organize a team, communicate the daily plan clearly, and keep everyone working safely and efficiently. By focusing on these areas early in her career, she is building a highly rounded skill set. 

Fresh Air and Family 

The rural lifestyle suits Tori perfectly because her favourite part of the job is simply being in the fresh air and working with animals. This love for the outdoors extends directly into her hobbies. When she is not in the yards or out on the blocks, she spends her free time hunting and going on adventures in the bush. 

She also places a high priority on spending time with her family. Maintaining these outside interests keeps her grounded and provides a healthy balance to the demanding physical work on the station. While she does not currently have a team of working dogs of her own, she is focused on her current learning goals and has plenty of time to build a dog team in the future.