On 8 May, the Eastern Bay farming community gathered to honour the life of Rod McPherson and to celebrate the enduring legacy that continues through the Rod McPherson Memorial Rural Scholarship.
Held at the Awakeri Events Centre and hosted by the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, the evening brought together more than 50 friends, family members and supporters - as well as two scholarship recipients. While the event marked a significant loss, it was also a powerful reminder of how generosity and community can turn grief into long-term good.
Rod McPherson was just 63 when he was tragically killed in a farming accident in 2022. In the wake of his passing, Rod’s family—alongside friends, local businesses and supporters from across the Eastern Bay and beyond—established a scholarship in his name to support young people pursuing rural and agricultural careers.
Now in its third year, the Rod McPherson Memorial Rural Scholarship continues to make a meaningful difference, supporting students not only financially, but through connection, encouragement and belief.
The Impact of Support
A highlight of the evening was hearing directly from scholarship recipients Emma-Rose Black and Alex Iremonger, who shared how the scholarship has influenced their journeys.
Emma-Rose, who comes from a farming background in Ōpōtiki and has received the scholarship twice, spoke about the confidence and reassurance that came with knowing her community was backing her.
“The financial support is amazing, but the emotional support has been really special. Knowing there are people outside my immediate family who believe in me and want to see me succeed has made such a difference.”
2025 scholarship recipient Alex Iremonger also spoke of his gratitude. After discovering his passion for farming while working unpaid summer holidays on a dairy farm during school, Alex is now pursuing a Pāmu farming apprenticeship in Taupō—made possible with the support of the scholarship.
A Legacy of Mentoring
Rod’s wife, Jacqui McPherson, spoke movingly about Rod’s passion for mentoring and training young people, and how proud the family is to see those values continue through the scholarship.
Eastern Bay Community Foundation Chair Scottie McLeod reflected on the significance of the evening and the strength of support from the farming community.
“It’s an amazing legacy. We hope this annual scholarship continues to encourage young people and strengthens the agricultural sector across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.”
Foundation Manager Angela Jackson echoed the importance of funds like this, noting their long-term impact.
“Support for study costs is important, but just as powerful is having people believe in you and your chosen path. That kind of support can stay with young people for life.”
Growing Impact Together
The Rod McPherson Memorial Rural Scholarship shows the lasting impact a community can have when it comes together to support its young people. We’re honoured to work alongside families, donors and supporters to help grow opportunities like this for generations to come.
Find out more about the Community Foundation and how we work, click here.
