Celebrating International Womens Day with Shontelle Budd

Here, she reflects on influential women in her life, the many different hats she wears, and why she goes above and beyond to support her learners through their training.

On the day we talk to Shontelle, she has just returned from running a lunchtime study session with colleague Elri for Primary ITO learners in Tokoroa. Eight people came to make progress on their training workbooks, ask questions, and enjoy pizza and camaraderie.

“We try to run one a month in different areas … the learners really appreciate it,” she says.

Shontelle awarding certificate to learner, Flynn

Shontelle has been a Training Adviser at Primary ITO for two and a half years. She spends many hours on the road visiting agriculture learners on farms in South Waikato, from Waihi down to Morrinsville and across towards Taupō. A typical day includes discussing training options with employers, supporting learners on farm, setting their progress goals, helping them with their work, marking assessments, and lots of phone calls.

She is passionate about supporting learners to progress through their training and succeed in life. She is known to go the extra mile for her learners, even picking them up for class or taking them home if transport is an issue.

Prior to working at Primary ITO Shontelle was a goat farmer for eight years which led her into a 2IC and manager role for two and a half years. During this time she studied through Primary ITO, and when the Training Adviser role was advertised, she jumped at the opportunity.

One of Shontelle's hobby's outside of work is hiking

Growing up, Shontelle’s family moved to a farm when she was six years old, and she started relief milking and calf rearing at age 16. She also loved spending time with her grandparents in Whangamata. Shontelle looked up to her nan and aspired to be like her, even initially training and working as a school teacher like her nan.

“She was my hero. Everything she did, I wanted to do. She was a teacher and gave up a lot of her time for her kids at college, even buying them clothes or food. If they didn’t have a place to stay, she would open the marae at school. I witnessed that and wanted to be like her.”

Shontelle believes that everyone deserves a chance, no matter their background.

“Some people don’t come from easy backgrounds and are trying to do better. If one person believes in them, it can make all the difference. I love being there for my learners, motivating them and making sure they believe in themselves … like my nan believed in me.

“They are the future of the dairy industry.”

Shontelle with learner, Jade

Alongside her role at Primary ITO, Shontelle has been a regional leader for her local Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) group in East Waikato for the last two years. The team organises regular events to help bring local people together to learn, connect and hear about what’s happening in their local community. Recently, Shontelle and her DWN colleague Tania Clark were recognised as Regional Team of the Year for the Dairy Women’s Network. Both women acknowledged the support of their employers after receiving the award.

“We’re all about building connections, inspiring and empowering women to believe in themselves and their value in the dairy industry,” Shontelle says.

Taking the time to fill her own cup is also very important to Shontelle, a mother of four and grandmother of two. Spending quality time together as a family is top priority, and her grandchildren are the apple of her eye. Going out fishing with hubby is a favourite pastime, along with catching up with friends to go on adventures like Spirited Women.