We have been fortunate to work with a number of ex-students from Southland Girls’ High School who are actively involved in the Agriculture and Agribusiness industry.  They are all giving up their time to let us visit them on their farm. They will show the students their farms, up to date technology, talk about their career pathway and provide hands-on practical activities where appropriate e.g. body condition scoring. We will also have industry experts coming along to some of the farms to show the business side of farming e.g. bank managers and how they support purchasing a farm but also running a farm. Our ex-students have either taken over the family farm or have purchased a farm within the last year or two. This opportunity provides an excellent experience for students to gain a greater understanding of possible pathways available to them.

The girls will have the opportunity to visit two locations the first being Willow Creek Dairies who will talk to us about their operation, how they got into farming, what life on a dairy farm is like and showcase the technology that they are using on their dairy farm. The girls will get to witness in person the cows getting shifted by the Halter technology which will be an awesome experience for them to see. We will then head to Marshburn Farm which is run by Grace Church an old girl of the school. She will get stock into the yards for the girls to see as well as talk to the girls about her journey from Southland Girls to farm ownership. At Marshburn Farm we will also hear from Jacqui Chamberlain (an old girl of the school) who is currently running her family farm and heavily involved in the Orauea River Catchment Group. We will also hear from a rural bank manager and local MPI employees.

• Date: Thursday 8th May 2025  meet at 8.15am leaving 8.30am sharp return to school at 3.30pm
• Transport: Go bus and meet at Kumagaya Gates at the front of school 
• Clothing and Equipment: Students are required to wear tidy casual clothing that is warm (layers are ideal, and wear a high vis vest whilst we are at the businesses. Gumboots are compulsory footwear requirement on this trip due to the nature of properties we are visiting. The girls are also required to have hair tidied up off their face. Gumboots are a must 
• Cellphones: As in line with school policy phones must be switched off and in bags during the normal school day hours.
• Cost: $15 to cover the bus and the remainder will be covered by the Agriculture and Agribusiness department. Please pay by 30 April 2025.
• Please note: Board financial procedure requires payment in full, by the due date for your child to purchase resources, participate in sports or attend trips/events. Payments received will be allocated to the oldest unpaid fees and charges owing on your child’s account first.  
• Venue: Marshburn Farm – 806 Lillburn Valley Road and Willow Creek Dairies – 97 Walker Road Woodlands

Mel Young and Kate Gilchrist have a current first aid qualification and will be always carrying a first aid kit. Jon Breach and Jake Bootsma from MPI have worked with both teachers to design a field trip that is hands on, informative, meets the interests of our students, and connecting past and present students from Southland Girls. Each student will get the most out of this incredible opportunity.  If for some reason an accident does happen, Mel Young or Kate Gilchrist will ring the parent immediately and notify the school.  

This event contains risks, including slipping on the wet ground, farm machinery and dangers presented by close proximity to farm animals while visiting the different dairy, sheep and beef farms. This event is supervised by school staff who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s safety management plan.  This includes wearing high vis vests at all times, which will be provided by the school, and wearing sturdy footwear such gumboots. While risks can be maintained to acceptable levels they cannot be eliminated.  Some risk is retained for its learning and experiential value.  If you wish to come in to school to see our safety management systems or have any questions, feel free to contact Mel Young [email protected] or 03 2116030.

It is important for safety reasons that students follow instructions given to them by all staff and follow all appropriate school rules. Behaviour by students that is deemed dangerous and puts themselves and/or others at undue risk will result in your child being picked up by a caregiver and not attending further Year 12 Agriculture and 13 Agribusiness trips this year. 

Please pay and complete the permission form by 30 April 2025.

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Student Information:

The information on this form will remain confidential to the teachers/instructors in charge of/assisting with the camp/trip. However, in the interests of the safety of all involved, any life-threatening conditions may be made known to other students. Please be assured that your child’s physical and emotional well-being always remains of paramount importance to us.

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Y12 and Y13 Ag and Agbiz Trip to Southland Farms

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