Inghams is the largest integrated poultry producer across Australia and New Zealand with more than 8,000 people. The diversity and expanse of our business provides a great platform for our people to grow their career through promotion but also through expanding their experience into new roles. Natasha Kampshof joined Inghams while still at high school. She collected eggs at a poultry farm, just down the road from her parents’ dairy farm. She knew nothing about poultry farming, and initially it was just about the pocket money. Today, 25 years later, she is the Farming Production Manager for Inghams in New Zealand, overseeing 250 people across 16 sites.
When did you join Inghams? What was your first role?
I joined Inghams in 2001 as an egg collector at Springs Road. I was still at high school, and my parents were dairy farmers and we lived just down the road. My mother told me I needed to earn my own money if I wanted “those Nike shoes”. I got in there, and I loved it.
What was it that you loved?
I didn’t know what happened behind the hedges. I knew nothing about poultry farming, and initially it was just about the pocket money and saving for some overseas travel. As I began to understand the challenges, I wanted to know more.
What was your next role?
Six years after joining, I’d finished high school and I was promoted to the role of Leading Hand on a rearing farm. After that I was appointed as a Farm Manager, then Breeder Manager for New Zealand, a role I held for 10 years.
What is your current role?
In 2023 following the acquisition of Bromley Park Hatcheries, I was appointed Farming Production Manager. The acquisition increased Inghams’ hatchery and breeder capacity by about 50%, strengthening the supply chain.
How many people are in your team?
250 people across 16 sites in New Zealand.
What formal learning opportunities have you undertaken?
In 2016, I completed a post graduate diploma in business management at the University of Waikato. The company saw potential in me, and recommended I study business and finance management. I was ready to push myself too.
What do you love most about your job?
I love being with the birds in the sheds. I am proud of what we do to give the birds the best life we can. I also love to see our people flourishing.
Where do you think you have the biggest impact in your role?
My biggest impact is giving the team opportunities to progress, improve and grow. We can all grow and learn together, building the Inghams’ culture. While there has always been KPIs for livestock, adding the people component ensures we measure the success of our people too. I also promote and live animal welfare through advocacy, education and hands on care.
What is a professional success story you’re proud of?
I started at Inghams as a young teenager because, well, I wanted some branded clothes and shoes! But then I developed a love for working with animals. I’ve walked a massive path, breaking my own boundaries and overcoming challenges.
In my current role, I get to see the Breeder Network and Northern Hatchery thrive, backed by boosting team engagement and increasing performance by 20% in some areas, through structured communication, support, training and poultry management best practice strategies. I see us work better together with collaboration across the farms and hatchery to improve and streamline processes, standardisation, and aligning as one team, which directly contributes to optimising Inghams’ hatching egg and broiler chick supply.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
There is always another day. When you work with livestock, things can seem very urgent at times.
Give yourself permission to pause, prioritise and take some extra time if you need, and you will get there in the end.
With collaboration, support and respect, you can do anything.
How do you deal with stress at work?
I keep active, especially with cycling and exercise. Spending time with my family, and having activities other than only your job.
In December 2024 I cycled 160km around Lake Taupo with some fellow suffering cyclists . That was a big ride.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
There has been many people. My first managers, Sue Anderson and Debbie Fisher, showed me that women can lead and this inspired me. Muhannad Juma has been in the farming team for more than 35 years. He’s always been here, and has many of the answers.
Adrian Revell advocated for me, Chris Sidwell really helped me with my leadership skills and Matt Easton has influenced my career.
My team is also an influence. We’ve worked together for many years and watched everyone grow.
What tips or advice would you give someone starting a new job at Inghams?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People want to help.
Put yourself out there and make sure to mingle with people from other parts of the business.
Always try and find a mentor who you can confide in.
Be honest about what you want, believe in your capabilities and be confident.
Thinking back to your first role at Inghams, how has Inghams changed over the years?
It’s like night and day. 24 years ago it was a private family company. The focus was on doing your job and achieving production targets.
This has changed in the last 10 years, where we’ve added a focus on our people, have open communications across the business, and senior leaders connecting with our people. Investing in our people’s engagement and development are key to delivering better results.
What has been your favourite activity or project at Inghams and why?
The best, and hardest, activity has been the Bromley acquisition. It’s been very challenging, but the outcomes are definitely worth it. There is still work to go, but I hope we continue to make a positive difference.
Why is Inghams a good place to work?
Inghams is a place where you can grow your career. There are opportunities for progression in the business, with lots of internal training for support.
What’s your favourite Inghams product?
Our family, including my 10-year-old daughter, loves the free range chicken sausages, and Waitoa free range burgers and tenders.