Growing a herd, a business, and a future

When Conrad Kamota moved to New Zealand in 2023 with his family, through the Skilled Migrant Category pathway, he brought with him a wealth of professional experience. A chartered accountant who has worked across aviation, health, hospitality and education, Conrad is now working as the Financial Controller at The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments and Lakeside Residences in Queenstown.

Yet farming has always been close to Conrad’s heart, rooted in his family’s agricultural heritage in Zimbabwe. Having begun to build a Boer goat herd and dreaming of eventually owning his own farm in New Zealand, in 2025 he applied for a year-long mentorship to gain the confidence and practical guidance needed to pursue that ambition in a new environment.

With that support, Conrad made remarkable progress, growing his Boer goat herd from 42 to more than 200. His mentor worked with him online from the North Island, but the distance was not a barrier. Their relationship helped Conrad stay focused, forge new connections, explore potential markets and join a wider community of Boer goat farmers and experts. Conrad chuckles as he recalls how his enthusiasm led him to consider llamas and cattle as well, but his mentor encouraged him to keep sight of his original goal: building his Boer goat farming venture on strong foundations.

A particularly memorable opportunity arose when a Korean buyer visited with a specialist chef to discuss a possible order for 1,000 Boer goats. Conrad knew he was not yet ready for a transaction of that scale, but the enquiry offered an exciting glimpse of what could be possible – and a tangible goal to work towards.

For Conrad, the mentorship was only one part of a much wider wave of support. After a media release shared his story, people began reaching out with advice, introductions and even offers of goats from their own herds. What started as a single mentoring relationship grew into a community rallying behind him.

Unfortunately, the year also brought a devastating setback: 60 goats were lost after paddock wires were cut and the animals were later found to have been culled. Despite the loss, Conrad has chosen to look forward, directing his energy – with the support of his newfound community – towards rebuilding and growing the business.

Through the combined support of Business Mentors NZ, Business South and Central Otago Welcoming Communities, Conrad has gained more than business knowledge.

For Central Otago Welcoming Communities Officer, Heather Harries, Conrad’s story captures what welcoming work can achieve.

“This is about more than business growth," she says. "It is about people finding their place, sharing their strengths, and being embraced by a community that believes in their potential.”

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, check their website: Find a Business Mentor.