Ben Purua: From Waikeria Prison to Young Māori Farmer of the Year

Ben Purua is a South Waikato farmer who grew up in South Auckland surrounded by poverty, gangs and violence. He joined a gang at 13. At 16, he was sent to prison for manslaughter.

Ben discovered farming while in Waikeria Prison - working on the prison farm gave him a sense of freedom and belonging he'd never felt before. When he was released in 2015, his employer took a chance on him, and he's now built a career on keenness, loyalty, and hard work.

In 2024, Ben was named Young Māori Farmer of the Year. Now he dreams of creating a transition farm for men leaving prison.

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