Here are just a few of the media pieces covering the impact of Rural Leaders’ Programme Alumni in industries and communities across the sector.
Murray King, 2003 Nuffield Scholar, ONZM
On Friday 7 February, Prime Minister the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop, and the new South Island Minister James Meager, Murray King ONZM and others, opened the Waimea Community Dam.
As the Prime Minster noted, this project is an “incredible legacy”, albeit one “we wish we’d got onto sooner”. And as MP Boyack noted, the region now has water security.
In no small part, thanks to the tenacity and leadership of Murray King and his colleagues.
Take a read of an article on the Waimea Water website here. https://waimeawater.nz/2025/02/10/dam-opening-ceremony/.
Penny Timmer-Arends, 2023 Kellog Scholar
Penny contributed to a DairyNZ ‘Inside Dairy’ article recently. The article, ‘Decoding Rumination Data’, looks at the data wearables such as collars and tags can provide to measure a cow’s wellbeing. This technology has made monitoring rumination easier.
Take a read of the article that suggests visual monitoring and physical examinations should also be used to monitor rumination rates. https://www.dairynz.co.nz/news/decoding-rumination-data/.
Alison Bentley, 2023 Kellogg Scholar
Alison spoke to Radio New Zealand a couple of weeks ago about growing beef cattle, hazelnuts and a wide range of fruit on her small farm near Rotorua.
Alison says small farms have a pivotal role to play in addressing domestic food security and the environment.
“Seven hectares can produce a magnificent amount of food.”
Take a listen to the RNZ interview here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/2018976890/could-small-scale-farms-be-the-best-way-to-feed-the-country.
Mihi Harris, 2021 Kellogg Scholar
B+LNZ continues to build its support for Whenua Māori, with the establishment of a Kāhui (Māori agribusiness advisory group). Mihi Harris is now part of this seven-strong group that will represent the needs of Whenua Māori entities.
Read more about the Kāhui and about Mihi here: https://beeflambnz.com/news/meet-blnzs-maori-agribusiness-advisory-group.
