Representing New Zealand: Marie FitzPatrick (30)
Marie FitzPatrick (30) is the NZ Rural Ambassador hailing from View Hill above Oxford, Canterbury in the south island of New Zealand. She’s from a farming background, and later trained as a chef which lead her right back back to farming to produce great beef consistently for market. Marie is president of her local show society, Oxford A&P and is also part of the Future Beef New Zealand committee which runs a hoof and hook competition for NZ youth.
“I have always had a lot to do with showing, cattle, youth events stock-judging, judging stewarding in Canterbury,” says Marie who spends her days managing a dairy grazing, stud beef and crop farm.
Her goal over the next ten years is to work towards land ownership, with her husband. As well as increasing their Angus stud and continue improving our genetics.
“I was a part of beef junior judging back when I was 16, and have been helping run competitions regionally here in NZ. My first time entering for RAS Rural Ambassador Award was 2019. I loved making new connections through both junior judging and the Rural Ambassador competitions.”
Marie’s own family, Christine Roberts, Phil and Kay Worthington, are responsible for her affinity for agriculture.
And Marie hopes to pass this love of farming and showing along to the next generation; she had her first child in January this year.
And Marie hopes to pass this love of farming and showing along to the next generation; she had her first child in January this year.
“My favourite show is Sydney Royal. I’ve been many times, falling in love with the atmosphere and high quality competition.”
Marie says her best show moment was at Canterbury A&P show they year.
“We won every angus class got well place in the all breeds classes, and took out reverse champion in the meat and Wool Cup,” Marie said.