From working dogs and quad bikes to crutching sheep and ultrasound pregnancy scans, Year 13 Albany Senior High School (ASHS) student Nirvana Fairey Foster has had an unforgettable introduction to life on the land – and she’s loved every second of it.
Thanks to the Gateway program at ASHS, Nirvana has completed two farm placements and is well on her way to turning her passion for sheep and beef farming into a full-time career.
Her first taste of farm life came in July 2024, when she headed out for a placement with a local sheep and beef farming family. With no hesitation, she threw herself into the daily routines of farm work – from moving and sorting stock, to learning how to drive a tractor and side-by-side. She even helped with pregnancy scanning of ewes using an ultrasound, gaining real-world insight into the science behind livestock care.
When the opportunity came up to return to the same farm in May 2025, Nirvana jumped at the chance. This time, she was more confident, more capable, and ready to expand her skills further.
Over the ten-week placement, Nirvana took on a wide range of farm tasks – including shearing, drenching, crutching, weed spraying and scanning. One of her proudest achievements was learning to operate both automatic and manual quad bikes, progressing from beginner to independently completing stock work. She also sharpened her ability to work with dogs, improving her communication and handling techniques when moving stock.
Her time in the shearing shed taught her how to work under pressure and manage time efficiently, while her growing comfort around bulls, sheep and large machinery spoke volumes about her adaptability and resilience.
As part of her Gateway programme, Nirvana also researched the different pathways into the industry. After exploring information from Tupu.nz and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, she identified cadetship programmes as the ideal next step – offering structured learning and hands-on experience.
Her hard work and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed. Nirvana’s employers praised her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn. They’ve thrown their full support behind her application to the prestigious Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm – where she has now been shortlisted for one of just 13 places, out of more than 200 applicants. She’s also been accepted into the New Zealand Future Farmers Programme.
Whether in the classroom or out in the paddock, Nirvana’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when young people are supported to follow their interests and explore real-world learning.
