Richard McIntyre had a change in his work-life balance four years ago. It is a change that was appreciated by his children, Matthew, 4, and Olivia, 6. When Matthew was in utero, Mr McIntyre and his wife Emma were informed by their doctor that he was suffering with health problems. A lung mass was removed when he was 6 months old. This would turn out to be a very important event his life.
“I thought, did Matthew know who I was?” said Mr McIntyre “They grow up so fast. It is a special time. The decision we made was that I would be more of a part of the parenting.” Richard now plays a big part in his children’s lives. He drops Olivia off at school at least two days every week.
“Matthew and Olivia are my special helpers around the farm.”
The McIntyres have been announced as the winners of the Dairy Industry Awards Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year. They are 29 percent sharemilkers at Richard and Sally Hogg’s in Manawatu.
Richard’s wife is a secondary school teacher who works two days a week, teaching social studies at Foxton’s Manawatu College. On the day the Manawatu Standard visits, Olivia comes home from school and immediately goes to see how many new calves were born during the day. Matthew takes off his boots and plays in the palm kernel expeller that had just been delivered.
“Emma is a great mother, and partner. I couldn’t do it without her,” Mr McIntyre says. Their work-life balance is something that must have impressed the judges.
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