Newcomer mentorship announced
Pictured: Leanne (11), Lesedi (14), Karen, and Conrad Kamota pictured with their Boer Goats in Central Otago.
From farming in Zimbabwe to Central Otago; a newcomer mentorship to help build confidence
Conrad Kamota’s father grew up in Guruve in Northern Zimbabwe, starting his career as a soldier. However, the call back to his agricultural roots was strong and he returned to farming, alongside his wife, who also had an agricultural background. Their key crops were cotton and maize, but they also kept goats and cattle for the family. Conrad recalls how cotton was farmed on a large scale and on one occasion his father won an award for the best farmer in the region.
Conrad excelled in school and gained a scholarship for high school and subsequently at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo. He graduated with a bachelor’s in finance and then acquired a job in tourism as an accountant. He went on to become a chartered accountant which unlocked a multitude of opportunities, such as working in aviation, health, hospitality, and education. Having worked in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa, Conrad moved to New Zealand in 2023. Conrad’s wife, Karen, is a qualified ECE teacher and they were both able to move here through the Skilled Migrant Category pathway.
Conrad and Karen arrived in Auckland with their two children, but soon moved to Central Otago, and Conrad worked as the Financial Director at Central Otago Health Services Ltd. Conrad is now working as the Financial Manager for Dunedin Kindergartens and splits his time between Dunedin and Central Otago.
“Outside of work, I have a passion for farming. I have Boer goats, and the plan is to get a farm and continue to grow and increase the herd for export,” Conrad said.
The reason Conrad applied for a business mentor through the newcomers’ business mentorship programme, was to “build confidence in business in a developed structure, with someone who can help me network, to give me practical advice, and have a safe space to share mistakes and understand the context of New Zealand".
Business Mentors NZ, Business South and Central Otago’s Welcoming Communities are delighted that Conrad was successful in his bid for a year-long mentorship and look forward to hearing about his farming endeavours going forward.
- Business Mentors NZ is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing business growth nationwide through one-to-one business mentoring. If you are interested in being supported by a Business Mentor, click here.
