Life at Smedley
Life at Smedley is about more than learning farming skills — it’s about becoming part of a close-knit community, building confidence, and experiencing life on a working station.
Cadets live, work, and learn together throughout the two-year programme, developing lifelong friendships and memories along the way.
With only 13 cadets accepted each year, everyone plays an important role both on and off the farm.
Experience life at Smedley
See what daily life is really like for cadets living, learning, and working together at Smedley Station.
Living on-site
Cadets live on-site in shared accommodation as part of the full Smedley experience.
Living together helps build:
- teamwork
- independence
- responsibility
- communication skills
- strong friendships
Second-year cadets help mentor first-year cadets, creating a supportive environment where everyone works together and learns from each other.
Accommodation and meals are fully provided throughout the programme.
A typical day
No two days at Smedley are exactly the same, but cadets quickly settle into the rhythm of station life and become part of a close-knit team.
Living on station means learning both on and off the farm. Cadets share accommodation, take responsibility for daily duties, and gain practical experience across all areas of the station.
A typical day may include:
- Breakfast with fellow cadets before heading out for the day
- Morning planning and health & safety briefings
- Practical farm work based on the season and station needs
- Rotations through different parts of the station to experience a variety of farming environments
- NZQA-recognised theory training through Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), Hawkes Bay Campus
- Learning from visiting industry professionals, including veterinarians and rural advisors
- Shared responsibilities such as feeding dogs, caring for horses, and helping around the hostel
- Time in the evenings to relax, socialise, or take part in sports and community activities
Weekends are generally free, giving cadets the opportunity to enjoy activities such as horse riding, hunting, fishing, spending time with friends, or gaining additional experience on neighbouring farms.
Life at Smedley combines practical farming, personal responsibility, learning, and community — helping cadets develop confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.
Teamwork & mates
One of the strongest parts of the Smedley experience is the camaraderie built between cadets.
Cadets work together every day and learn the importance of supporting one another, communicating well, and contributing as part of a team.
Many former cadets describe the friendships formed at Smedley as lifelong.
“You arrive as strangers and leave as mates for life.”
Food & accommodation
Smedley provides accommodation and meals for all cadets, creating a supportive environment where everyone can focus on learning and making the most of their experience.
Cadets typically share rooms, with separate male and female accommodation. Living on-site helps build independence, responsibility, and strong friendships among the group.
With two cooks on station, cadets are well fed throughout the week, while weekends provide an opportunity to develop practical life skills by preparing meals and managing their own routines.
Life outside of farming
Life at Smedley isn’t all work. Located beside the Ruahine Forest Park, cadets have access to a wide range of outdoor and recreational opportunities outside of training hours.
Located beside the Ruahine Forest Park, activities may include:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Tramping
- Community events
- Rugby and local sports
- Dog trials and competitions
Cadets are encouraged to get involved, challenge themselves, and enjoy the lifestyle that comes with rural living.
Developing confidence & independance
For many cadets, Smedley is their first experience living away from home. Learning to manage responsibilities, contribute to a community, and make decisions independently helps build confidence that lasts long after graduation.
Living away from home and working in a real farm environment helps cadets develop:
- Independence
- Responsibility
- Resilience
- Time management
- Leadership skills
- Confidence in themselves and their abilities
For many cadets, Smedley becomes a major stepping stone into adulthood and future career opportunities.
Cadets are supported by experienced staff and mentors throughout their time at Smedley, helping them grow in confidence both on and off the farm.
Life skills that last
Beyond farming, cadets leave Smedley with practical life experience and personal growth that stays with them long after graduation.
From managing responsibilities to working as part of a team, the experience helps prepare cadets for both their careers and everyday life.
What cadets say about life at Smedley
Ready to experience life at Smedley?
Discover what it’s like to live, learn, and train on one of New Zealand’s leading agricultural training farms.
Questions about applying?
Need help with the application process or want to learn more about life at Smedley?
Frequently asked questions
Do cadets live on-site?
Yes — Smedley is a fully immersive, on-farm experience.
Cadets live on-site and are part of the day-to-day running of the farm. This includes:
- Working alongside experienced staff
- Living with other cadets
- Building strong friendships and teamwork
Food and accommodation are provided as part of the programme.
How much does it cost?
Smedley Station is a charitable trust, managed by Public Trust. It operates as a working commercial farm, with income supporting the cadet training programme. While there are no course fees to become a Smedley cadet, you will need to invest in your own saddle and working dog. The good news is that we will contribute towards these costs. Hostel accommodation and food is provided free of charge. While you’re training, you’ll receive a weekly allowance and an annual clothing allowance. You may be eligible for a Student Allowance, depending on government criteria.
Can I visit Smedley before applying?
Yes. Smedley holds Open Days each year where prospective cadets and families can visit the farm, meet staff and current cadets, and learn more about the programme.
Visiting Smedley is one of the best ways to experience what life and training are really like.
What is accommodation like?
Cadets live on-site at Smedley in shared accommodation, typically with two cadets per room and separate male and female quarters.
Living on station is an important part of the Smedley experience. It helps cadets develop independence, responsibility, teamwork, and lifelong friendships while becoming part of a close-knit community.
Meals are provided during the week, and cadets share responsibilities around the hostel, including helping with daily duties and caring for station animals. The accommodation provides a supportive environment where cadets can focus on learning, developing practical skills, and making the most of their time at Smedley.