Pāmu awards its first First Foundation scholarship to Paige Burston

New Zealand’s state-owned farming enterprise Pāmu, also known as Landcorp Farming Limited, has chosen Taranaki student Paige Burston for its first scholarship under its partnership with the First Foundation. Burston will begin university as the first member of her family to attend a tertiary institution.

The Waitara High School student plans to study at Massey University in Palmerston North. Her Bachelor of Animal Science will focus on animal genetics and breeding, supporting her stated ambition to pursue a career in animal science and livestock genetics.

Pāmu said Burston was selected for her academic commitment, community involvement and practical farming experience. Her activities include coaching junior football and volunteering locally, while her agricultural experience comes from working on her grandfather’s farm.

Pāmu has worked with the First Foundation since 2011. The partnership supports students from rural communities who face financial or social barriers to tertiary education. The programme combines assistance with university costs, corporate mentoring from Pāmu and paid work placements within the company’s commercial operations.

Pāmu is New Zealand’s largest corporate pastoral farmer and operates dairy, sheep, beef and deer properties across the country. The company’s scholarship programme links students’ academic training with experience in commercial agribusiness, including the management of farming operations and livestock.

Burston’s scholarship forms part of wider efforts in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector to develop agricultural skills and encourage students from rural communities to enter tertiary education. Her studies will be directed towards animal genetics and breeding within the country’s pastoral farming industry.