Paul and Traci were nominated for Rural Champions as a couple who freely give so much of themselves.
The couple host Christian youth camps on their farm every year and Paul has been on the board of trustees both at Palmerston Primary School and at East Otago High School.
He is also a trustee of Glenorchy Lodge, an accommodation facility owned by East Otago High which has been undergoing major development and upgrades in recent years, funded by the school community.
The couple also take young people into their home, teaching farming and life skills on their sheep and beef farm at Morrisons in the Pig Root.
Paul is quick to point out his off-farm commitments would not be possible without his mother Allison and brother and sister-in-law Mark and Liv Paton.
"We work as a team here and they will pick up my slack when I am busy with other things."
Traci is from the United States. The couple met at Lincoln University while Traci was here on an exchange.
"I chased her over to the States afterwards," he said.
Paul interned for a year at the Denver Rescue Mission followed by nine years at the mission’s farm in Colorado. A Christian-based facility, the mission helps people overcome addiction and homelessness.
"I came home a different person. It gave me an awareness of how it can be for people who have experienced major trauma in their lives — they can look the same from the outside but inside they feel completely different.
"It made me realise what is important in life. It’s not material things — it is love and people."
Paul reflects on a prose in the Bible which summarises his view on life.
"It says who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? It’s about being grounded and knowing you are not above anyone else in this world."
The couple have four adult children. Each has excelled in their studies and sport.
While boarding school would have been an easy option due to their isolated location and sporting passions, the family stuck with the local high school.
"Some people think it is education that makes the person, which I believe is wrong.
"It is character that is important and surrounding them with that love and support and not outsourcing it. I also believe a smaller school offers its own advantages with leadership and other opportunities that a might not present themselves at a bigger school."
Paul credits the huge support they have received from other local families for their children’s success.
"We’ve had some amazing people in our lives who have driven our kids around to things and encouraged them to go further with their sports."
Paying this kindness forward, the couple often host gateway students for work experience and over the years they have opened their home to young people who are going through a tough time.
"Teaching new skills brings a sense of confidence which these people can take through life. You employ the character; you teach the skill."
The Christian youth camps are also hugely popular each year. It’s no holiday — they learn how to rough it a bit and gain a few life skills along the way. They all seem to leave with great memories and a new-found confidence.
Despite not coming from a farming background, Traci has embraced an isolated farm life.
She has overcome a cancer scare and embraced a healthier lifestyle since. She also breeds labradoodle and retrodoodle dogs and takes great pride in turning out quality family pets.
