Join us for an evening of inspiration\, celebrating the power of transformation\, leadership\, and purpose with Ben Purua.
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\nBen&rsquo\;s story is one of extraordinary transformation &mdash\; from a youth influenced by tough environments and a broken system \;to becoming a national leader in agriculture and a beacon of hope for others. \; \;At just 15\, Ben was sentenced to prison for manslaughter. It was behind the wire at Waikeria Prison that he found an unexpected calling: farming. That moment of purpose became the catalyst for change.
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\nFast forward to today\, and Ben is the Ahuwhenua Young Mā\;ori Farmer of the Year\, a regional Dairy Manager of the Year\, and a finalist at \;the 2025 Kiwibank \;Young New Zealander of the Year Awards. \;
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\nBen&rsquo\;s journey doesn&rsquo\;t stop at personal success. Through his mentoring initiatives and programmes like Kā\;mu to Pā\;mu\, he now helps former inmates\, youth\, and people battling addiction find direction and dignity through work in the food and \;fibre sector. \;
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\nSPEAKER BIO
Ben Purua - \;Ben embodies resilience\, transformation\, and hope &ndash\; emerging from a troubled past to become an inspiring leader in New Zealand&rsquo\;s agricultural sector. Growing up amid gangs and violence\, Ben was ultimately charged with manslaughter at 15 and served time at Waikeria Prison. There\, he discovered a passion for farming\, which fuelled his determination to turn his life around. Today\, Ben holds the title of Ahuwhenua Young Mā\;ori Farmer of the Year and was named Dairy Manager of the Year for the Central Plateau region &ndash\; but his impact goes well beyond these personal accolades.
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\nWith compassion and dedication\, Ben is now supporting ex-prisoners\, troubled youth\, and individuals battling addiction to find purpose and employment in agriculture. Through his mentoring programmes and initiatives like Kā\;mu to Pā\;mu\, Ben empowers others to believe that change is possible. As a leader on the He Tā\;tai Rangahua Food and Fibre Youth Network\, Ben champions opportunities that break cycles of hardship. His ultimate vision to create a transition farm that supports individuals leaving prison\, aiding reintegration and providing a pathway to a brighter future.
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\nEvent sponsored by \;Vision Complete Earthworks \;
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\nSpeaker gifts are provided by Wild River &\; Co
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\nCatering is provided by Hazel Hayes
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\nFor enquiries or to cancel your registration email \;events@waikatochamber.co.nz
View our waitlist policy.
\n LOCATION:Venue: Events Room 1\, Wintec CBD View the Wintec CBD Map here. UID:e.2751.5038 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260505T223526Z URL:https://business.waikatochamber.co.nz/events/details/inspire-from-prison-to-purpose-with-ben-purua-5038 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR