Raised in a family deeply rooted in agriculture, Mr Kamota’s story began in Guruve, Northern Zimbabwe, where his father, a former soldier, returned to farming life alongside his wife.
The family grew cotton and maize and kept goats and cattle, with one of their proudest moments being Mr Kamota’s father receiving a regional award for excellence in cotton farming.
However, Mr Kamota took a different initial path.
A standout student, he earned scholarships through high school and later graduated with a degree in finance from the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo.
His qualifications launched a successful career as a chartered accountant, working across sectors including aviation, health, hospitality and education in Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa.
In 2023, Mr Kamota and his wife Karen, a qualified early childhood education (ECE) teacher, migrated to New Zealand under the skilled migrant category.
After initially settling in Auckland with their two children, the family moved south to Central Otago.
Mr Kamota took on the role of financial director at Central Otago Health Services Ltd and now serves as financial manager for Dunedin Kindergartens, splitting his time between Central Otago and Dunedin.
Despite a thriving career in finance, his passion for farming remains strong.
"Outside of work, I have a passion for farming.
"I have Boer goats, and the plan is to get a farm and continue to grow and increase the herd for export," he said.
To help turn this vision into a viable business, Mr Kamota applied for a mentor through the Newcomers’ Business Mentorship Programme.
His goal was clear: "To build confidence in business in a developed structure, with someone who can help me network, give me practical advice and provide a safe space to share mistakes and understand the context of New Zealand."
The programme, a collaboration between Business Mentors NZ, Business South and Central Otago’s Welcoming Communities initiative, has paired Mr Kamota with a mentor for a year-long journey.
Organisers said they were thrilled to support the aspiring farmer’s agricultural ambitions.
"We’re excited to see where Mr Kamota takes his farming venture and look forward to following his progress," a spokesperson said. — Allied Media
