Connecting youth to the ag sector

Hazel Molloy is about to shed some light, to the younger population of Golden Bay, about who Federated Farmers are and what they do.

Hazel, a student at Golden Bay High School, volunteers her time once a fortnight to host a community radio show aimed at connecting to the youth in the area. “I’ve been doing the show for almost four years, and I love it,” Hazel explains “I talk about youth events, interview interesting people, play music and have friends come on and chat about what’s going on for them.”

Hazel says that she also talks about things that are happening for her in the hope’s others listening can relate.

With agriculture playing a big part in the region, as well as nationwide, Hazel was keen to bring an element of the sector into her show. Her aim is to not only bring visibility to the important sector but inspire people her own age, that are getting ready to finish high school, to consider getting involved in the primary sector work wise. So, when Federated Farmers Golden Bay and Nelson offered to sponsor her show she was excited and knew it would be a good match.

“Its going to be really nice to bring something new to the show and I don’t know much about Federated Farmers so it will be cool to learn something myself.” She says.

The aim is to interview local rural people, on the show, who are involved in the organisation that can explain who Federated Farmers are and what they do, as well as bring visibility to the agriculture sector and its importance to New Zealand’s economy.

Although the show is aimed at youth it has a wide range of listeners and the shows are recorded and broadcasted at several times during the fortnight. Hazel’s experience with radio broadcasting has highlighted how much she enjoys working in media and as a result she is considering studying marketing and communications when she finishes high school.

“There’s heaps of job opportunities out there and I really enjoy it so I’m looking at my options,” Hazel explains “Although I talk about serious topics, I try to keep it light and have a good laugh. I have lots of friends and family who are rural and through that I have an appreciation of the value of farming so I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to connect the ag sector and my show together.”