Taiwhakaea Osborne

Growing up between Gisborne and Waimana, Whakatāne, Taiwhakaea Osborne has spent much of his life with dirt under his nails and a love for the land. His farming journey has seen casual work on both Waiteti Station and Meringa Station, but it was his brother-in-law and sister who gave him the nudge to take it to the next level. Now, as a Pāmu apprentice, he’s swapping casual farm work for a full-blown career, keen to get amongst agriculture and learn from some of the best in the business, saying it was: 

Farming’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle, and Taiwhakaea knew this was where he was meant to be. "To me, it’s the thought of working with animals and working with the great farmers of New Zealand," he says.

What excites him most about working at Pāmu is the strong commitment to the whenua (land), the people, and the learning environment. He appreciates the mentorship from experienced farmers and the opportunity to build skills that will shape his future in the industry.

Through the apprenticeship program, Taiwhakaea is keen to get stuck in and sharpen his expertise in livestock management, stockmanship, and running a team of working dogs. 

His long-term goal? Achieving his Level 4 qualification in Agriculture and Stock Work, gaining the confidence and knowledge to stand shoulder to shoulder alongside top industry professionals, and one day eventually become a farm manager running a large livestock station.

When he’s not out on the farm, you’ll find him hunting, playing softball, or chucking a line in the water. Taiwhakaea is Ngāti Awa and Ngāi Tūhoe, and his connection to his marae holds a special place in his heart. He enjoys returning to support and contribute to his community, saying: "I love going back to help out at my marae," he says. 

With a drive to learn, grow, and give back, Taiwhakaea is here for the long haul and sees himself using the experience gained at Pāmu to mentor the next generation of young farmers.

With Alex Ngatai as a role model, Taiwhakaea is backing himself to take on the industry—combining old-school farming smarts, hands-on know-how, and a deep respect for the land. We reckon Taiwhakaea is one to watch, and we’re rapt to have him on board at Pāmu.