Inspire: From Prison to Purpose - with Ben Purua

Description

Join us for an evening of inspiration, celebrating the power of transformation, leadership, and purpose with Ben Purua.

Ben’s story is one of extraordinary transformation — 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.

Fast forward to today, and Ben is the Ahuwhenua Young Māori 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. 

Ben’s journey doesn’t stop at personal success. Through his mentoring initiatives and programmes like Kāmu to Pāmu, he now helps former inmates, youth, and people battling addiction find direction and dignity through work in the food and fibre sector. 



SPEAKER BIO

Ben Purua - Ben embodies resilience, transformation, and hope – emerging from a troubled past to become an inspiring leader in New Zealand’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 Māori Farmer of the Year and was named Dairy Manager of the Year for the Central Plateau region – but his impact goes well beyond these personal accolades.

With 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 Kāmu to Pāmu, Ben empowers others to believe that change is possible. As a leader on the He Tātai 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.


Event sponsored by Vision Complete Earthworks 

Speaker gifts are provided by Wild River & Co

Catering is provided by Hazel Hayes

For enquiries or to cancel your registration email events@waikatochamber.co.nz

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