Unearthing a legacy through land, farming and family resilience

It was during visits to his nana’s family farms that Levi’s passion for farming was first sparked. By the time he reached Year 12, having taken three different agriculture classes, he was certain of his future career path. Levi says the final confirmation came when he was accepted into Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Accelerate+ programme, which allowed him to undertake a first-year Intro to Animal Production course as a distance student in Tauranga.

“That taster of uni life sold me, I was hooked. The course was relevant, and it felt like the right path for me. Massey became the obvious choice, and here I am, chasing my passion for farming and business in the hopes of making a buck out of it!”

Alongside his deep appreciation for the practical side of farming, it was curiosity that led him to major in farm management.

“I’m driven by the question of whether you can make money from farming in today’s economic and environmental world. I want to blend my love for hands-on work with the skills to navigate the business side of agriculture,” Levi says.

One of the most important lessons Levi says he’s learned so far is the power of relationships.

“Massey has taught me that building connections with students, staff and farmers makes a huge difference. In moments when I’m chatting with farmers, we can have a really good yarn, and it gives me the ability to share my own knowledge and experiences. Same with the lecturers, they’re not scary! They’re actually keen to help if you ask. The support available is solid, so don’t be afraid to dig around, ask and make the most of your fees!”

As a proud New Zealand-born Samoan and Tokelauan, Levi has found that his journey into agriculture has also strengthened his connection with his own family history. Last year, he had the opportunity to visit a plantation his grandfather used to cultivate in Samoa for the first time. There, he learned about the sacrifices his grandparents made, including leaving Samoa with nothing to create a better life for future generations in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“I visited my grandmother’s village, Saleaula, which was buried under a sea of molten rock in 1905 following the eruption of Mount Matavanu. My great-grandparents were forced to flee, using bunches of coconuts as makeshift life jackets to make it across to the next island and resettle in Apia. Today, the ruins of the village still stand as a reminder of both destruction and resilience, helping me reflect on the strength of my ancestors,” Levi says.

The deep connection they held to both the land and their faith is something Levi says has shaped his own approach to farming, study and life in general.

“Seeing firsthand what my grandparents and great-grandparents endured has only deepened my appreciation for the land, the challenges of working with it and the importance of knowledge in order to improve the lives of those who depend on it. I hope to one day give back by taking what I’ve learned at Massey and helping increase agricultural productivity in Samoa, combining modern knowledge with traditional practices to create better outcomes for those still working the land today.”

Levi says he is grateful to the many people who have helped him get to this point.

“So many people have shaped my journey, from my high school teachers who encouraged me to stick it out and aim for university, to my bosses, who are successful Massey grads who have shown me what’s possible when you combine solid education with practical experience. They always encouraged me to go further, reminding me that while you can’t learn farming entirely from books, the knowledge sure helps!”

During his time at Massey, Levi has been the recipient of several awards and scholarships, including the Massey Agricultural and Horticultural Practicum Award, First Year Student Bachelor of Agribusiness Scholarship, Bashford-Nicholls Trust Scholarship, Bay of Plenty Farmers Education Trust, Violet Wickham Memorial Bursary, Bootten Bequest Bursaries, Ormand Meat Marketing Scholarship and Ann-Sinclair Presbyterian Support.

His advice to other students is learn that diligence is the mother of all luck.

“When you put in the mahi and do what needs to be done, good things happen. Understand the fundamentals of what you’re learning, create solid relationships and learn as much as you can. The good grades should follow naturally when you focus on the right things.”

This year, Levi will finish his degree and start looking for graduate roles where he can combine his theoretical knowledge with hands-on work.

“Whether it’s here in New Zealand or overseas, I’m keen to get my Red Bands muddy and put my knowledge into action.”

Learn the skills and sound business knowledge needed to progress the future of New Zealand’s primary production sector. Find out more about the Bachelor of Agribusiness here.