Pāmu has selected new equity partners for Mahiwi Farm, marking the next step in its livestock equity partnership model and reinforcing its commitment to creating practical pathways to farm ownership for skilled operators.
The new equity partners are Cameron Hassall and Alice Wilson, experienced sheep and beef farmers with deep roots in the Wairoa district. The couple bring a strong track record in livestock performance, farm systems and community leadership, and see the Mahiwi partnership as a pathway to build equity while staying connected to their local community.
Mahiwi Farm is a 1,755 hectare sheep, beef and forestry property west of Wairoa. A new entity co-owned by Pāmu and Cameron will lease 708 effective hectares used for sheep and beef farming with Pāmu retaining control of the remainder of the land (forestry and QEII covenants). The arrangement is the first livestock property offered under Pāmu equity partnership approach. The model enables high‑performing operators to invest alongside Pāmu, build equity through farm performance, and grow long‑term capability in the sector.
Pāmu Chief Operations Officer Will Burrett said the appointment shows the model moving from concept to delivery.
"For us, this is about building something real," Alice says. "We want to grow our stake in Mahiwi, improve the farm's performance, and show that this model works, not just for us, but for other young farmers looking for a way into ownership."
The livestock equity partnership builds on Pāmu introducing dairy sharemilking arrangements (including contract milking, variable order and herd-owning) in 2024.
Since then, Pāmu has seen tangible progression from within its own workforce.
“Over the past two years, one internal candidate has stepped up into a contract milking role,” Mr Burrett said.
“That brings the total to seven dairy and one livestock operation now operating under contract or equity‑style arrangements. It shows the model is opening up genuine career and ownership pathways for our people and to the sector.”
Pāmu said the approach is designed to strengthen farm performance, retain talent, release capital and support the next generation of farm leaders with a clear pathway to ownership and industry investment.
The Mahiwi appointment reflects the broader Pāmu strategy to offer flexible operating models across its portfolio, aligned to capability, scale and long‑term sustainability.
With initiatives like the Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme, dairy contracting options, and equity partnerships for livestock farmers, Pāmu is building a future where talented individuals can progress from entry-level roles to farm ownership.
Building Equity at Home
For Cameron Hassall and Alice Wilson, the opportunity to become equity partners at Mahiwi Farm with Pāmu is about more than a career move. It's about building a future, and investing in the land and community that shaped them.
Mahiwi is a sheep and beef property west of Wairoa, and the first livestock farm offered under Pāmu equity partnership model. The model enables skilled operators to invest alongside Pāmu, build equity through farm performance, and grow long-term capability in the sector.
Both Cameron and Alice grew up farming locally and share a deep connection to the Wairoa district. Cameron's pathway has spanned boarding school, a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with First Class Honours at Lincoln University, and a wide range of on-farm and agri-services experience, from livestock technician roles with Headwaters NZ through to contracting, shearing, and stock management across the country. Before coming home to Wairoa, Cameron was working as a Stock Manager in Pōrangahau. Directly before taking on this opportunity, he was running a lease block, doing casual work and organising an open shearing run.
Alice has built her career at the intersection of farming and land stewardship. Working as a Catchment Advisor and then Senior Rural Advisor with Hawke's Bay Regional Council, she brings practical expertise in erosion control, environmental planning, and working alongside landowners across northern Hawke's Bay.
Together, Cameron and Alice are directors of their own farming company, leasing land near Wairoa, which Alice will continue to manage alongside their work at Mahiwi.
Their combined experience has shaped a shared focus on structured, high-performing farm systems.
"I enjoy getting stuck into a farming business and helping create a system that's efficient and profitable," Cameron says. "Improving grass quality, ewe performance, and lamb and calf weaning weights has been a focus in every role I've had."
Cameron says the Mahiwi equity partnership offered something rare in the sheep and beef sector: a genuine opportunity to grow equity directly on farm. Combined with Mahiwi's proximity to their families, it was a straightforward decision.
"For us, this is about building something real," Alice says. "We want to grow our stake in Mahiwi, improve the farm's performance, and show that this model works, not just for us, but for other young farmers looking for a way into ownership."
The couple see themselves as committed guardians of the land, with strong values around animal welfare, environmental care, and community involvement. Between them, they volunteer regularly at local galas, sports events, fundraisers, and the Wairoa A&P Show, where Alice also serves as Event Manager.
Looking ahead, Cameron and Alice see the Mahiwi partnership as a pathway to scale, security, and opportunity for themselves and their growing family — they are expecting their first child later this year.
