Pāmu welcomes its latest First Foundation scholar, Cheyenne Kirkman, a Year 12 student at Lynfield College who plans to study agriculture at Massey University in Palmerston North.
Cheyenne is the first in her whānau to pursue university, and brings a strong record of community service and leadership through the Mangere Bridge Scout Group, where she serves as head Venturer and has contributed more than 350 hours to projects such as tree planting, clean-ups and youth activities. She also volunteers weekly at Ambury Farm, deepening her practical experience in farming and her commitment to kaitiakitanga.
In her application, she wrote,
“I am the first person in three generations of my family to even consider university, let alone pursue it. None of my family members, including my cousins, uncles, and aunts (just over 40 people in total) has even attempted to get a higher education. Growing up in South Auckland on a single mother’s income has been nothing short of a daily struggle. University was never even a thought in my head, it seemed completely out of reach…”
Pāmu has partnered with First Foundation for more than a decade, supporting eight scholars with financial assistance, mentoring and meaningful work experience across its farms and offices. Pāmu Chief Corporate Services Officer Roz Urbahn said,
“Cheyenne’s interest in agriculture and commitment to service is exactly what this partnership is about, opening doors and backing potential. The programme helps talented young people, many first in their families, to access education and careers, creating a ripple effect for their whānau and communities. We’re excited to support her learning journey and to offer hands-on experience across Pāmu farms."
Cheyenne’s interests span biology, statistics and English, and she has gained practical customer service experience through part-time work at Auckland Airport.
Recent Pāmu First Foundation scholars include: Jazmine Murray, Nora Paicu, Kaylee Hutchinson and Bella Taylor. Bella now works for Pāmu as a Farm Technician in Te Anau.
