The four new 2027 Nuffield NZ farming Scholars will explore global agricultural innovation and bring fresh perspectives, knowledge and connections back to New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
In this Ideas That Grow podcast, Southland farmer Simon Saunders, a 2025 Value Chain Innovation Programme participant, shares how Lumina Lamb grew from a 2007 farmer initiative into a premium brand served by chefs worldwide, and why consistency, strong partnerships and knowing your place in the value chain matter most.
Featured Alumni: Cam Henderson, Tracey Perkins, Sandra Faulkner, Clare Bradley, Brett Robinson, Emily Levenson, Kate Tomlinson, Julia Hardwick-Smith, Mark Hooper, Jen Corkran, Richard Dawkins, Geoff Crawford, Jodie Goudswaard.
Our friends at Mayfield Group are running their executive Governance Development Programme in November. This is a practical six-month development experience designed for current and aspiring directors and senior leaders. Build your confidence and capability across strategy, risk, finance, leadership and effective board practice, while learning alongside others on their own governance journey. Through facilitated
New Zealand’s food and fibre sector holds more value than many realise, but capturing it depends on understanding how value is created in the final marketplace. AWDT sat down with Professor Hamish Gow to explore the three models of value creation, the difference between a supply chain and a value chain, and how the Value Chain Innovation Programme helps producers and leaders see the whole chain, not just their part in it.
The John Daniell Memorial Trust Scholarships support the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.
Alumni in the Spotlight – James Allen, Corrigan Sowman, Kate Scott, Charles Yule, Parmindar Singh, Sonja Vreugdenhil, and more.
What happens when grassroots catchment groups suddenly find themselves responsible for millions of dollars, complex governance and growing expectations? Di Roadley, 2026 Kellogg Scholar, explores the leadership challenges facing New Zealand’s catchment groups, from succession and funding to trust, capability and the importance of playing the long game.
Rural Leaders is pleased to announce the renewal of its Strategic Partnership with DairyNZ, extending a relationship that has supported leadership development across New Zealand’s dairy sector since 2017.
Katie Rodwell is signing off as our Associate Trustee, taking with her a better understanding of governance, and a healthy appreciation for the people who help Rural Leaders continue on its mission to grow world-class leaders for our country.
Alumni in the Spotlight – Clare Bradley, Lisa Portas, Matt Hocken, Julia Hardwick-Smith, Di Roadley, Luke Doyle, and more.
Grace McLeay, 2023 Kellogg Scholar, farmer and Bioeconomy Science Institute commercialisation specialist, discusses turning science into practical outcomes for farmers. She explores climate adaptation, farm resilience, diversification and the challenge of getting research into the hands of farmers. Grace also reflects on leadership, self-awareness and the lasting impact of Kellogg.
Ten Kellogg alumni and two past and present Kellogg presenters talk about their Kellogg experiences.
A newly signed partnership agreement between LIC and New Zealand Rural Leaders. Together, the two organisations are investing in leaders who can help New Zealand navigate an increasingly complex future. Rapid advances in technology, changing consumer expectations, climate adaptation and shifting global markets are reshaping the sector, creating both challenges and opportunity.
At Nuffield New Zealand’s 75th Anniversary Dinner, the Hopkins family honoured John and Elaine Hopkins’ legacy by funding another scholarship. Their gift supports 2026 Scholar Jared Clarke, continuing decades of generosity and investment in New Zealand’s future agricultural leaders.
The 2026 Nuffield Scholars are at various stages of their Global Focus Programme (GFP). This article provides an update and some top line insights from the travel so far.
From surviving PSA to studying biosecurity around the world, 2018 Nuffield Scholar Simon Cook shares how stepping beyond the farm gate broadened his perspective, strengthened his leadership, and reinforced the importance of preparing industries for tomorrow’s challenges.
Alumni in the Spotlight – Nick Pridgeon, James Allen, Kate Tomlinson, Sandra Faulkner, Jon Pemberton.
The individual research reports of the scholars from Kellogg Programme One 2026, collectively provide ten key insights on the future food and fibre.
A scholarship from the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation provided an opportunity for Kate Tomlinson to take part in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.
It also gave Kate the chance to grow as a leader and to contribute meaningful research to Canterbury’s dairy industry.
Morris McFall (1970 Nuffield Scholar) passes at age of 91.
Alumni in the Spotlight – Natasha Cave, Roger Barton, Rebecca Hyde and others.
Ethan Gillespie discusses his experience of the 2025 Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme; how it broadened his understanding of leadership, advocacy, and strategic decision-making. He shares insights into his own leadership development, industry collaboration, and the pathways available for emerging leaders in New Zealand’s horticulture sector.
Murray King (2003 Nuffield Scholar) on 75 years of the Nuffield Scholarships, how the power of water transformed his thinking in an Idaho potato field, the confidence and global networks Nuffield builds, and why busy farmers can’t afford not to apply.
