Smedley Station Announces 2026 Cadet Intake – A Milestone Year For Young Women In Farming

Smedley Station, one of New Zealand’s most respected agricultural training farms, will mark a significant milestone with its 2026 intake of new cadets.

For the first time in its long history, female cadets will outnumber males in Smedley’s first-year cohort, reflecting the growing interest from young women for farming careers.

Applications came in from across the country for just 13 highly sought-after first-year places, with seven of the spots going to young women. The two-year programme combines hands-on experience in sheep, cattle and deer operations with NZQA-accredited agricultural qualifications, delivered in partnership with the Eastern Institute of Technology.

The cadet programme began in 1931, following a bequest by local farmer Josiah Howard, who gifted his central Hawke’s Bay farm to the Crown in 1919 with instructions that it be used for agricultural education and research. Public Trust oversees the management of the Howard Estate, with the Advisory Board providing guidance.

“Smedley’s cadet programme continues to offer a highly sought after pathway into agriculture for young New Zealanders,” said Glenys Talivai, Chief Executive of Public Trust. “We’re committed to honouring Josiah Howard’s legacy by continuing to offer this opportunity to young people with a passion for farming. The first female cadet joined the station in 1988. The growing number of young women now entering the programme reflects the increasing visibility of pathways into agri-careers for women, which we’re proud to support.”

In their first year, cadets focus on foundational skills such as fencing, shearing, stock mustering, dog training, horse handling, farm vehicle and equipment operation. Cadets receive a strong grounding in health and safety, including training to support their personal wellbeing and broader life skills – essential preparation for the realities of modern farming.

“Smedley Station has a unique position within New Zealand’s agricultural landscape. It’s got a long-standing reputation for producing cadets who are not only work ready but also well prepared for further education and leadership in the rural sector. It’s an accelerated development programme that sets them up for life,” said Conrad Wilkshire, Chair of the Howard Estate Advisory Board. “We’re excited to welcome the 2026 cohort and support them on their learning journey.”

Smedley Station operates as both a commercial farm and a self-funded training facility. Situated in Tikokino, Central Hawke’s Bay, the 5,660-hectare property is home to approximately 30,000 stock units and employs a dedicated team committed to cadet development.

2026 first-year cadets

• Riley Appleton, Dannevirke
• Trey Castles, Dannevirke
• Mark Chambers, Tarata
• Nirvana Fairey Foster Auckland
• Tayla Fleming, Fielding
• Noah Glasgow, New Plymouth
• Holly Henricksen, Dannevirke
• Cushla Kyle, Hastings
• Laura Kelso, Motunau
• Jack Laugesen, Elsthorpe
• Azy Parkinson, Waipukurau
• Nathan Vincent, Whanganui
• Victoria Watson, Opotiki

www.smedley.ac.nz

© Scoop Media