Shanti Aplin

Hi. I’m Shanti Aplin.  I am currently at Stage one on the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme.

I have had a unique and interesting upbringing following a fairly unconventional yet enriching pathway through my young years.  I have been Home Schooled by my parents and raised alongside 3 siblings on our organic farm on the Tutukaka Coast in Northland. My early years have been immersed in nature. Having lived off grid my entire life I have been gifted a resourcefulness, perseverance, adaptability, and work ethic to work till the job is done. 

My education years have come from beyond textbooks, more through a variety of life experiences that have woven together a tapestry of learning experiences, both personal and through community service. I have been immersed in opportunities to develop practical life skills and a respect of our natural world and all living things. This I think has given me a unique set of eyes to view the world.

Animals have been important teachers in my life. They have played a key role having brought many opportunities for growth.  From the age of 8 I have represented my area competitively at a national level in equestrian sports.  I also took on my first Wild Kaimanawa pony to tame and train.

One of my life experiences which has taught me so much assisting my parents in the facilitation of Therapeutic Nature Education and Equine Therapy programmes with some of our region’s most vulnerable young people. I support these young people who have experienced significant trauma and /or have neurodiverse diagnosis which bring challenges for them on a daily basis. I witness their many struggles and have come to experience how empathy, understanding, presence and compassion can assist. 

My daily life currently is working full-time for one of NZ ‘s larger registered Hereford Cattle breeding farms. Farming and agriculture is a rich and diverse sector.  This is a place I am very happy to be investing my time, attention, and learning.  

I hope that through my involvement within the Pinnacle Programme I will create more magical memories to last a lifetime and find pathways and opportunities so that my dreams and goals to assist others can come into reality.