Next Open Day: Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2026
Register for our next Open Day

The Legacy

The legacy of Smedley extends far beyond the farm itself. From Josiah Howard’s remarkable gift in 1919 to the ongoing support of the Josiah Howard Foundation and the Ex-Cadets Association, Smedley’s history is one of generosity, community, and a shared commitment to developing future generations of New Zealand’s agricultural leaders.

Josiah Howard

Josiah Howard was born in 1836 in Smedley, an area of North Manchester, England. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1863 and made his way to the Otago goldfields. With no luck in finding his fortune he returned to his trade as a machine operator in the Otago region before moving to a section of Crown land in Hampden – now known as Tikokino. Josiah worked in partnership with his brother until 1885. Over the years Josiah purchased more land and accumulated 7,700 acres, with much of it being rough hill country. When he died on 5 January 1919, he gifted his property to His Majesty the King without restriction but in the confidence that the Government of New Zealand would use the property as a foundation or endowment for the purpose of agricultural education. On 24 October 1919, the Howard Estate Act was passed, providing that the Public Trust hold Smedley Station in trust for the Crown as a permanent endowment.

Before Smedley could accept any cadetships, accommodation for trainers needed to be constructed and a significant number of repairs and maintenance was required to be undertaken, including the planting of 7,000 shelter trees, cutting 1,000 acres of Manuka, grubbing and ploughing in 150 acres of gorse, ploughing and planting 379 acres in pasture and crops and erecting 16 miles of fencing. In addition, cattle and sheep yards, two stock bridges, implement sheds, a carpenter shed, a tack and blacksmith shed, a new woolshed, the Manager residence, a Head Shepherd’s cottage, and lastly, cadet accommodation were all required to be constructed.

Smedley received no government funding or financial assistance for these works to be undertaken.

In January 1931, five male cadets resided at Smedley, with five more the following year. Cadets were paid an allowance of 10 shillings per week in their first year and 15 shillings in their second year. The training farm was deemed successful by the end of 1932, and the cadet intake increased from five to seven – today, the intake is 13 and is open to both male and female applicants.

The Josiah Howard Foundation

The Josiah Howard Foundation exists to preserve the special character, heritage, and enduring values of Smedley while supporting the development of former cadets who contribute to the future strength of New Zealand’s agricultural industry.

Through scholarships, leadership development, financial assistance, and alumni engagement, the Foundation helps strengthen the Smedley community and support future generations of cadets.

Foundation story

The Foundation was formally established in February 2003 following an initiative led by former Smedley cadet and Station Manager, Jerry Jeromson.

At the time, there was growing interest from individuals and organisations wanting to support Smedley through sponsorship and donations. Recognising the opportunity to create a more enduring structure for support, the Foundation was established as a practical and sustainable vehicle through which contributions could be directed toward the long-term development of Smedley and its cadets.

The Foundation was settled by four of the oldest living ex-cadets at the time — Douglas Cochrane (Marton), Norman Hill (Hastings), Ian Lumsden (Taradale), and Cecil Forsyth (Wairoa), reflecting the strong heritage and generational continuity of the Smedley cadetship.

From the outset, the Foundation’s purpose was to provide meaningful assistance where and when it was needed most, including practical support for cadets facing financial hardship. Today, the Foundation continues this purpose as an independent charitable organisation with a growing investment fund, strong governance, and an expanding role in supporting ex-cadet development and alumni engagement.

Hear from former cadets

Ian Evans

Sheep and Beef Farmer, Matahuru Valley

Ian credits Smedley with helping build the practical skills, work ethic, and industry connections that have supported his farming career for more than two decades.

Chief Whakaue

Block Manager, Eskdale

From growing up in town to managing a 350-hectare farm, Chief’s story highlights the opportunities that can follow a Smedley cadetship.

Bayden Andersen

Sheep and Beef Farmer, Pōrangahau

Bayden’s lifelong passion for farming was strengthened through his time at Smedley and continues today through his successful farming career.

The ex-cadets association

Smedley is more than a two-year cadetship – it’s a lifelong community.

The Smedley Ex-Cadets Association helps former cadets stay connected with one another and with the station long after they graduate. Through reunions, networking opportunities, events, and ongoing engagement, the Association celebrates the shared experiences that have shaped generations of Smedley graduates.

Many former cadets continue to support the programme by mentoring future cadets, sharing their knowledge and experiences, and helping preserve the unique culture and traditions that make Smedley special.

Together with the Josiah Howard Foundation, the Ex-Cadets Association helps ensure Smedley’s legacy continues to benefit future generations of young people entering New Zealand’s agricultural industry.

Frequently asked questions

The Josiah Howard Foundation is an independent charitable organisation that helps preserve the legacy, values, and heritage of Smedley while supporting the development of former cadets. Through scholarships, leadership development, financial assistance, and alumni initiatives, the Foundation helps strengthen the Smedley community and invest in the future of New Zealand agriculture.

Josiah Howard was a successful farmer and businessman who gifted Smedley Station to the people of New Zealand through Public Trust.

His vision was to create opportunities for young people to gain practical agricultural training and build careers in farming. That vision continues to guide Smedley today.

The Foundation provides support through scholarships, leadership development opportunities, career advancement assistance, and practical help during times of hardship. It also works to strengthen the lifelong connections between former cadets and the wider Smedley community. 

Yes. One of the Foundation’s core objectives is to provide financial assistance, where appropriate, to current and former cadets experiencing hardship or difficult circumstances. Assistance is considered on a case-by-case basis and is intended to provide meaningful support when it is needed most.

Yes. The Foundation supports the personal and professional development of former cadets through scholarships and targeted assistance. These opportunities may help support further education, leadership development, career progression, and business advancement within the agricultural sector.

While the Foundation operates independently, it exists to support the long-term success of Smedley, its cadets, and its alumni. The Foundation works closely with the Smedley community and shares a commitment to preserving the values and legacy established by Josiah Howard.