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From wiring to farming

Published on May 10^th 2011, 3:26pm

Having claimed the Northern Regional Final Munford is now set for a mid-year appearance in the grand final where he will be among seven farming hopefuls vying for the winning podium.

Although he says being in the spotlight will be far from normal life on his six-hectare lifestyle block at Parua Bay.

By the time he appears on TV in July the former Bay of Islands hockey representative will have downed tools for Northpower and embarked on a dairy farming career with Mata farmers Bruce and Julie Paton – so he can bring his children up on the land.

Shane is currently a Northpower substation electrician and is opting out of his profession after 10 years in the hope of one day buying his own farm.

Schooled at Kaikohe West Primary and Okaihau College, he was raised in Kaikohe on his parents Nigel and Ingrid’s sheep and beef properties which they run in conjunction with their calla lilly operation.

Now Shane is planning to follow their path and gain practical farming experience while aiming to purchase his own property – ideally in the north – within 15 years.

While slowly adjusting to life in the spotlight – one that could shine even brighter with a win in the grand final – the 30-year-old is busy juggling family life with plenty of farm-related study to be ready for the final.

Meanwhile Shane will get to see himself on TVNZ 7 at 7pm on May 14 when the Northern Regional Final is televised – along with a glimpse of his daily activity as a Northpower electrician. Two days later Shane will be in his new role milking 750 cows.

“We have chosen dairying as a way to progress to farm ownership. I’m starting at the bottom and working my way up. My wife Maree and I are setting out to achieve our goals,” Shane says.

And no doubt they’ll have plenty of help over the years from their boys – Tony, 5, and Kyle, 2 – who love the outdoors also.

- Whangarei Leader

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