Tim Van De Molen
Tim is the latest sensation from Matamata College to gain prominence in his field. He has (May/June 2013) just been named as New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year. An absolutely fantastic accomplishment!
At school Tim was very active and involved in many spheres of school life. He gained a “B” Bursary, played soccer every year for the school and captained the 1st XI in his final year. He was also part of the school Smallbore Target Shooting Team and was the inaugural team captain. Tim became the first House Captain of Weka House when the house system was revamped in 2000.
Post school Tim attended the University of Waikato and completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Psychology. He became a SCUBA Diving Instructor gaining this qualification from Adventure Sports Institute and became a PADI Master SCUBA Trainer. He has also graduated with a National Certificate in Production Management (AgITO).
Tim has had a diverse work history. 2003-04 he was a SCUBA Diving Instructor, 2004-2006 dairy farming, 2007-09 self-employed rural builder/fencer, 2009-present New Zealand Army Territorial Force Officer and also currently an ANZ Agri Manager based in Hamilton.
Tim has found plenty of time to travel and further his interest and involvement in the rural industry. He did his OE in 2006 travelling to UK, Europe and Australia. He has attended many agriculture events/shows/conferences in Australia as well as an agricultural study tour to Japan in 2010 which was funded by the Japanese government. Next year he is to attend an Agriculture Conference at Harvard University.
For a young man Tim has been recognised as a guy going places. Tim has held the position of New Zealand Young Farmers National Vice president (2007-10). In 2012 he became the Australasian Rural Ambassador. This year he won the ANZ Young Farmer Contest. He has also found time to train and run a marathon – in Athens, and Tim was also a volunteer for St John Ambulance.
He currently has bought a farm at Matangi and is looking to continue growing his involvement in the agriculture industry.
Tim lives with his partner Hilary on their Matangi farm (near Hamilton!)
His two brothers Chris and Geoff, and sisters, Trudi and Katrina, also attended Matamata College and his dad, Ron has given a significant contribution to the college through his involvement with soccer (coaching and refereeing). He is still involved with the school.