Meet the Need is proud to welcome Ben Purua as the charity’s first official ambassador.
Ben Purua is a dairy farm manager, award-winning agricultural leader, and passionate advocate for transformation through farming. Based in South Waikato, Ben leads a high-performing System 5 dairy operation centred on innovation, animal welfare, and sustainability. But his influence stretches far beyond the farm gate.
From a turbulent youth to national recognition, Ben’s life is a powerful story of resilience and redemption. Raised in Pukekohe and shaped by adversity – including time in prison as a teenager – Ben discovered a passion for farming on a prison farm. That connection to the land sparked a journey of hard work, education, and purpose.
Now the 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, Central Plateau Dairy Manager of the Year, and National People & Leadership Award winner, Ben is a sought-after speaker and role model across New Zealand. He’s also the founder of Kāmu tō Pāmu, a rural clothing brand dedicated to mental wellbeing in the agri-sector.
As Meet the Need’s inaugural ambassador, Ben will use his voice, platform, and lived experience to champion the charity’s mission: ensuring every New Zealander has access to nutritious protein – no matter their circumstances.
“I know what it’s like to go without,” says Ben. “Being able to give back through farming – to use what we grow to feed those doing it tough – is powerful. Meet the Need is real, it’s authentic, and it’s led by farmers. I’m proud to stand with them and help carry the kaupapa forward.”
Zellara Holden, General Manager of Meet the Need, says the team couldn’t be more excited to have Ben on board.
“Ben embodies the heart of Meet the Need. His story is one of strength, service, and second chances. He represents the best of our rural communities and a vision of what’s possible when we lift each other up. We are thrilled to welcome him as our first ambassador and know he’ll help inspire even more farmers to be part of this collective movement to end food insecurity in Aotearoa.”
