Visiting the robotic dairy farm in Woodlands offers our Year 12 and 13 Agriculture students an exceptional opportunity to see innovative, environmentally focused farming led by one of our own ex‑students, who is now a key figure in the Waihopai Catchment Group.

This experience directly supports the Year 13 sustainability internal and the Year 12 investigation into the environmental impacts of dairy farming in Southland. Students will gain hands‑on learning through riparian planting, observing robotic milking systems, and seeing first‑hand how nutrient losses to waterways are reduced—practices that recently earned the farm a Thriving Southland environmental award.

Hearing from industry experts throughout the day will further deepen students’ understanding of how modern agricultural businesses operate, strengthening their ability to apply real‑world examples to their internal assessments and future pathways in the Ag sector.

Date: Thursday 7^th May 2026

Time: 8.50 am meeting at the Kumagaya Gates  Return: 12.50 pm

Transport: Riverside rentals x 2 van and 1 x school van

Clothing: Mufti, gumboots and clothing that can get dirty as we are going to be planting trees on the Macphersons farm.

Costs: $16.00. Please pay and complete the permission form by Friday 1 May 2026. Please note: BOT 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. Extra-curricular activities operate on a “pay before you play” policy.

Venue: Kelly-Anne Hopper, Robotic Dairy Farm, 365 Woodlands-Morton Mains Rd, Morton Mains 9871

This event contains risks, including slipping while using the spade to plant the native trees and using fertiliser in the holes where trees are to be planted. This event is managed by school staff who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s safety management plan. This includes careful consideration of the risks, and all risks will be outlined to the students before entering the paddock by the farmers. I will also have a first aid kit with me at all times in case of an injury. 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 on 03 2116030 or email [email protected]

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 the parents/caregivers being called to collect their child and not being able to participate in future Agriculture field trips.

Please pay and complete the permission form below.

Y12 and 13 Agriculture Trip Robotic Dairy Farm - 7 May 2026

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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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I give my child permission to participate in Y12 and 13 Agriculture Trip Robotic Dairy Farm

My child has read and understands the Student Code of Conduct.

My child's medical information is up to date with Student Services

I acknowledge the school policy that states you must 'pay before play/attend' an event/trip or sport.

The school reserves the right not to provide a refund if your child is unable to participate in this activity

I acknowledge that full payment is required by the due date specified for my child to be eligible to participate in this event.

I acknowledge that any payments made to my child's account will be allocated to the oldest unpaid fees/charges if any and that my child is not able to participate until all these charges are paid in full.

I acknowledge and accept the Risks Disclosure.

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Any payments received for your child will be allocated to the oldest unpaid amounts sitting on your child's account first. Your child is not able to participate until all these amounts are paid in full.

Y12 and 13 Agriculture Trip Robotic Dairy Farm

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