Farming and surfing a good balance for young Ag leader

As well as managing 4 farms and 35 staff, Jack Raharuhi is a passionate surfer who finds his mindfulness on the water.

Country Life visits him at Pāmu's Cape Foulwind farming complex near Westport.

Raharuhi never thought he'd end up on a farm. He tells Country Life at 14 he left school after getting into "a bit of strife".

With no experience he found himself working as a dairy assistant.

"As hard it was, it shaped who I was, and character built me into the man I am today.

"I look back at the strife I've been in at a young age and it's actually turned me into a good leader in terms of people management and relating to people coming into the industry."

Raharuhi admits he had a tough manager at the time of his first job, but he stuck with it working his way up to a second-in-charge role before managing the farm for two years. 

Then came an operations manager role for three years on a neighbouring farm to now being the business manager at Cape Foulwind farming complex.

Raharuhi lives on the farm but doesn't have hopes for farm ownership. He says he's quite happy leading big teams and does not feel he would get the same satisfaction. 

"Creating a good working environment, and having people feeling safe and secure and enjoying their work every day. Those are the things we focus on... Staff development is a big key."

A stone's throw away from Westport, Raharuhi looks over almost 4000 hectares with the Buller Gorge in the background.

There are three dairy farms: a dairy support farm, a livestock farm, and a contracting machinery business.

To Raharuhi, it's "paradise".

There is a lot to manage each day, not to mention the 30 to 35 staff on-site, depending on the season.

However, to lead well, Raharuhi has recognised he also needs to care for himself.

"A really important piece is to have that work/life balance and have that 'outside the farmgate' stimulation.

"I do a lot of surfing, that is my mindfulness."

Tauranga Bay is roughly two minutes drive from the farm gate. Raharuhi believes it has to be one of the best surf spots in the South Island. 

"We're spoiled for surf here."