Once were scholars — grant pays off
A decade after receiving an A&P Society grant, a young man returns to rural Northland
Northlander Ben Aiken recently returned home ‘in more ways than one’. Not only has he moved back to the North after 10 years, he’s returning to his farming roots by taking on a new role with ASB Whanga¯rei’s rural banking team.
As a recipient of the Whangarei A&P Society’s scholarship back in 2008, Aiken has encouraged others to apply for this grant, which helps university entrants studying in the primary industries. Here, Aiken describes his journey since being awarded the scholarship.
What year did you receive the A&P Society scholarship and where did you attend university?
I was the recipient of the A&P Society scholarship back in 2008. I used it to attend the University of Waikato, where I studied for a bachelor of management studies with honours, majoring in economics and finance.
I was raised on a dairy farm in Maungatapere and up until I was 16 or 17 I thought I’d end up running the family farm. I did well at school though and found economics and finance really interesting. I always knew I wanted to work within the rural sector but ended up doing a degree that I knew would give me options. When I left university I was lucky enough to be accepted on to Westpac’s graduate programme. I moved to Auckland then Whanganui as a branch manager. Now I’ve been offered my dream job in Whanga¯rei, as a rural manager here at ASB. I couldn’t be happier to be coming home in more ways than one! Not only back home physically, but also back to my rural roots.
What qualifications do you have now?
Obviously, my degree, but while working in the bank I’ve also had lots of opportunities for leadership training and more recently valuation papers.
What does your day-today job look like and do you like it?
Our overall mission is to help rural people achieve their goals, and for me this involves a good mix of visiting on farm chatting to people and time in the office. I’d say 60 per cent in the office and 40 per cent on farm. The way my role is structured I’m the head of a threeperson team, so some time in the office is crucial.
What would you say to students thinking of applying for the scholarship?
I’d say two things. The first is obviously DO IT — apply! The support the scholarship gave me was incredible. It really allowed me to focus on my studies and not worry about money. I didn’t have to get a part-time job, I could just really focus on the academic side. I’m so appreciate of this and would encourage anyone thinking of studying in this area to apply. Receiving scholarships to assist with your studies can really take the pressure off.
The second thing I’d say is there are so many opportunities in the rural sector! There is rapid change and growth in this area at the moment. The future needs people that know how to help people in the ag industry manage their businesses, use new technology and of course look at sustainability for the future. We are going to need people to lead the change.
What are expected earnings for someone in your profession?
It really varies depending on what role you end up doing and your level of responsibility, but the thing I really like about working in a big organisation is the considerations around a total remuneration package. There’s a focus on wider staff benefits, flexible working, being able to undertake work development opportunities and things like that. I’d encourage new graduates to look at it as an option and take opportunities wherever they come.
What’s your favourite memory of A&P shows as a child?
I was always lucky enough to be really involved in the Whangarei A&P Show. My dad Grant Aiken was a member of the society for years! I’ve got some great photos from when I was a teenager of Dad and I showing cattle. He’s champion and I’m reserve champion — such cool memories! We’d always be given a couple of hours to run off and explore the show once the competitions were done — great fun!
You are back home in the North — are you still connected with the A&P Society?
I am of course a member of the Whangarei A&P Society. I also attend the Rural Business Network meetings that the society run. I’m proud to be a part of this organisation and am happy to be an ambassador to attract youth members in to the society and back to the rural sector in general. ■
Applications for the Whangarei A&P Society’s scholarship worth $9000 to students studying in the primary sector next year closed on September 21. Applicants are being short-listed for interviews and the scholarship winner will be announced next month.