With around 40 active members spanning from Taupō to Rotorua and everywhere in between, Reporoa Young Farmers Club is proud to be a strong, connected community at the heart of the Central Plateau.

Chairwoman Piper Gargan says the club has a relaxed, welcoming vibe and plenty of variety to keep members engaged year-round, from social events and farm tours to fundraisers and community involvement.

“We’re a pretty chilled-out club, but we like to get stuck in when it matters,” said Gargan.

“Over summer, we jump into fundraising jobs like covering silage stacks and picking up hay bales, which helps us fund all the fun stuff we do during the rest of the year.”

That “fun stuff” includes popular annual events like the club’s Christmas party, mystery bus trips, casual potluck dinners, farm visits and social activities like yoga, pilates, or a game of squash.

Gargan says members also get involved in seasonal sports including netball, hockey and business-house competitions, giving everyone a chance to step off the farm and connect socially.

Monthly Meetings

Reporoa YFC holds its regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at The Woolshed Tavern in Reporoa.

Outside of that, Gargan says, members often catch up informally throughout the month.

“We try to keep things flexible and fun.

“Whether it’s a barbecue, an inter-club event with our neighbours from Piarere and South Waikato, or a quick catch-up at the pub, it’s about giving people a reason to stay connected.”

The club draws from a wide geographic area, not just Reporoa township, but surrounding rural districts and communities including Broadlands, Waikite Valley, Wairakei, Ngakuru, and through to Taupō and Rotorua.

Gargan says this central location helps create a real mix of people with different backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared interest in rural life.

Young Farmers is open to anyone aged 16–31 with an interest in the rural sector. The club includes members from a wide variety of sectors, says Gargan.

“Not everyone is rural-based, so don’t be put off if you’re not a mainstream farm worker,” she says. “We’ve got sheep and beef farmers, dairy farmers, vets, bankers, equestrians, fencers, ag contractors – you name it.

“There’s room for everyone here. It’s one of the best things you can do if you’re new to the area, so many like-minded people in one place to make connections with.”

Perks

Membership perks include NZYF merchandise, national partner discounts and the chance to earn club credit for pitching in at events and fundraisers.

Gargan says Reporoa YFC also has a close connection with neighbouring clubs like South Waikato and Piarere, keeping the inter-club connections strong with some friendly competition events.

“There’s a good sense of camaraderie across our region,” she says. “It’s awesome to have that support and a bit of friendly rivalry when we all get together.”

Piper has been a Reporoa Young Farmers Club member for four years and was elected chair last November, with her re-election confirmed at the club’s annual meeting in May.

Before stepping into the leadership role, she served on the committee for events and social media.

Originally from a dairy farming background, Piper grew up around livestock and worked in the dairy industry for a few years after leaving school.

“I’m currently working full-time as an office admin & tech for Animal Health Services in Rotorua.

“I love working here, although it does feel odd working in an office after growing up and working outside most of my life.

“But through the tech work I still get out on-farm, along with my parents’ dairy farm, which I help out on whenever I can, so they can have some time off, or I just lend a hand throughout the busy seasons like calving,” she says.

“I’ve met so many great people through the club and had so many cool experiences I wouldn’t otherwise go and do.

“I always look forward to a meeting or a social catch-up – it gives you something to look forward to outside of work.

“Our new committee was elected in May and it’s exciting to see some fresh faces come on board.

“It’s great to have that mix of experienced members and new energy coming in.”

Whether you’re new to the area, looking to make friends, or want to get more involved in the rural community, Reporoa Young Farmers is always keen to welcome new members, Gargan says.

“You don’t have to be from a farm – if you’re interested in the rural sector and want to be part of a friendly, motivated group, we’d love to see you at one of our meetings.”

To find out more, check out Reporoa Young Farmers on social media or head to www.youngfarmers.co.nz