Ashlee Robertson

Meet Ashlee Robertson, an apprentice shepherd in Central Hawke’s Bay, building a career in livestock farming through hands-on learning with Pāmu.

For Ashlee Robertson, agriculture has always been part of the picture. Growing up in Tikokino, a small rural town in Central Hawke’s Bay, she spent school holidays working on local farms and taking on casual station jobs. That hands-on experience – along with the influence of her brother and dad – cemented her passion for the land and working with animals.

A former student of Central Hawke’s Bay College, Ashlee joined the apprenticeship program at Pāmu to take her skills to the next level and build a long-term career in the industry. She’s especially excited about learning how to shear and train a team of working dogs – key skills she knows will set her up well for the future.

Ashlee’s goal is to one day become a Head Shepherd on a hill country station with a strong dog team at her side. She’s drawn to livestock farming and values the opportunity to learn by doing – developing practical skills she’ll carry with her throughout her career.

Describing herself as kind, reliable, and honest, Ashlee brings a grounded and hard-working attitude to the team. She thrives on the daily challenges of farm life and says her favourite part of the job is “being out in the fresh air all day – there’s nothing better.”

Outside of work, Ashlee enjoys hanging out with friends and spending time with animals. With a clear sense of direction and a strong work ethic, she’s well on her way to achieving her farming goals – and making her mark in New Zealand agriculture.