Jack and his wife Kate, of Mt Nicholas Station, were nominated for their positive influence in the rural industry despite the challenges they have faced.
In 2013, Jack suffered a brain aneurysm. He then survived a cardiac arrest, went into coma for two weeks, spent a total of eight months in hospital and had 15 major brain surgeries over a period of six years.
"This sounds pretty bad; it was, and I am incredibly lucky to be alive," he said.
It was a slow process of learning to walk and talk again and there were many health setbacks along the way. In 2021 Jack underwent the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. His research project looked at how resilient farmers thrive despite adversity.
Through his research Jack discovered three crucial strategies among resilient farmers: clarity of purpose, strong social connections and a keen awareness of personal wellbeing. These insights formed the foundation of his resilience model — a practical tool tailored for the rural sector to move beyond survival and thrive.
Jack is regularly invited to be a speaker at events to share his story and research findings. Most recently he was invited to be a keynote speaker in Saskatoon, Canada at the International Farm Management Association Congress.
"That was a little nerve-racking as they had flown me all the way out there, but it was really well-received."
Jack said the ultimate display of resilience in their situation was exemplified by his wife.
As his health improved, Jack was able to share the workload at home and he enjoyed teaching his children while Kate was out on the farm or in the office.
Being 100km from the nearest school, the couple’s two children have been homeschooled through the Correspondence School for their primary and intermediate years.
"We share the teaching through the week, and I really enjoy spending that time with the kids. We are now very close because of it."
Kate is also chairwoman of the High Country Accord which is a not-for-profit trust advocating for the rights of pastoral leaseholders in the South Island.
"There are only 160 high country leaseholders left so we’re a bit of an endangered species. The trust’s role is about being a unified voice. The 1.2million hectares of high-country pastoral leases have become somewhat of a political football in recent years, so we advocate for these families and the iconic land they are stewards of."
Jack and Kate work alongside equity partners Phil and Latisha McMurray — all four have defined roles in the business. They have recently diversified their farming business with the introduction of Mt Nicholas Merino producing woollen garments, throws and knitting yarn.
"It’s important to us, as New Zealand wool growers, that we support the wool manufacturing industry that is still operating in New Zealand," Kate said.
She said it was hugely rewarding to create a product they could get enjoyment from and share with others.
"People want to buy New Zealand-made. We are still very early on in the journey, but it’s been a great way to add diversification ... while still being closely linked to our core business of producing beautiful, sustainable wool."
