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2024

Farmlands and Rural Leaders renew Programme Partnership

The New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (Rural Leaders) is pleased to announce the renewal of its Programme Partnership agreement with Farmlands.

Farmlands and Rural Leaders have enjoyed a productive partnership for many years. In that time both organisations have worked together to help build the strategic leadership capacity in our food and fibre sector. 

Working with Farmlands, Rural Leaders’ programmes aim to grow world-class leaders for our country. These are leaders who have the skills, networks, awareness, and confidence to deal strategically with the significant changes confronting the sector, its communities, and the environment.

Rural Leaders are proud to partner with Farmlands and the sector it supports.

(Pictured – Tanya Houghton, Farmlands’ CEO, and Lisa Rogers, Rural Leaders’ CEO).

Foundation for Arable Research and Rural Leaders renew Programme Partnership

The New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (Rural Leaders) is pleased to announce the renewal of the Programme Partnership agreement with the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).

FAR and Dr Alison Stewart’s involvement with Rural Leaders’ Programmes goes back not too long after the formation of Rural Leaders in 2017.

While arable growers on Rural Leaders’ programmes benefit from FAR’s programme sponsorship and input, FAR also supports the development of leadership and leaders from industries across the Food and Fibre Sector.

The important role FAR and arable growers play cannot be understated. Their work underpins the livestock industries. Growers produce the grass seed for pastures and animal feed in the dairy, beef and poultry industries. Rural Leaders are proud to partner with this key organisation and the industry it supports.

Dr Stewart’s own involvement with Rural Leaders is often hands-on as a regular speaker on the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. Kellogg scholars learn about the work FAR does and the role it plays, as well as Dr Stewart’s own leadership journey, experience and insight.

“…you’re able to have some honest and sometimes quite painful discussions about how New Zealand agriculture needs to move into the future and the changes that need to be made. And that cohort of Kellogg leaders are up for those kinds of discussions. I just love it.” Dr Alison Stewart, 2023.

Pictured above is Dr Alison Stewart, Foundation for Arable Research, CEO, and Lisa Rogers, Rural Leaders’ CEO.

Foundation for Arable Research background.
FAR is an applied research organisation responsible to New Zealand’s arable growers. It is involved with funding of arable, maize research and technology transfer.

FAR contributes funds to research programmes, often in collaboration with government funded organisations or universities. Involvement in specific research programmes is driven by the interests of New Zealand’s arable growers.

Research is split between three themes: Maximising productivity and value; Environmental and social best practice; and Resilient cropping in farming systems.

Each year, in consultation with growers across the country, FAR reviews and updates the short, medium and long-term projects within each theme.

Levy funds are also used to secure additional Government funding through programmes such as the Sustainable Food + Fibre Futures Fund.

FAR’s research and extension portfolio supports our vision of A vibrant and profitable arable sector producing healthy, value-added food, feed and seed.

Amongst the work in applied research, the search for new management systems, tools and new technologies to assist growers, FAR also works on supporting growers with compliance and biosecurity.  

“We also promote to the general public, to the other sectors, to the government, the value of arable systems and the value that they bring to New Zealand agriculture.” Dr Alison Stewart, 2023.

Mackenzie Charitable Foundation and Rural Leaders renew Strategic Partnership

The New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (Rural Leaders) is pleased to announce the renewal of its Strategic Partnership agreement with the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation’s desire to assist in the amplification of entrepreneurial and emerging leaders in the food and fibre sector finds significant alignment with Rural Leaders’ purpose of growing world-class leaders for our country.

To this end The Mackenzie Charitable Foundation undertook research alongside Rural Leaders, in collaboration with Otago Business School and the Department of Economics, to investigate the contribution of Kellogg and Nuffield Alumni to Food and Fibre.

This report, a world-class evidence base, measures the within-person gains in entrepreneurial leadership capability that occurs because of participation in the Kellogg and Nuffield programmes.

You can download the Mackenzie Study here. 

Pictured above is Don McFarlane (MNZM, JP), Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Trustee and 1981 Nuffield Scholar, and Lisa Rogers, CEO, Rural Leaders.

Mackenzie Charitable Foundation background.

The Mackenzie Charitable Foundation was formed in 1976 when brothers Alan and Don Mackenzie made the decision to leave their estates to the community of Mid-Canterbury.

Both brothers were diagnosed with cancer in the mid-1970’s and it was then that they decided to leave a legacy to the community they had lived in and loved so much.

The Foundation assists the province of Canterbury in Agriculture, specifically in the areas of research, development, education and training, and expansion of the science and practice of agriculture.

The Foundation supports Cancer Research, treatment, provision of equipment, and education and training. It also supports young people that may have challenges that put them at disadvantage to their peers.

We are proud to be working with an enterprise that has given, and continues to give so much to Canterbury, its communities and people.

The search for our 2025 Nuffield Scholars begins.

Just 189 Scholars in nearly 75 years.

The Nuffield network in New Zealand is a small group, doing big things, humbly. We’re looking for our bold, grounded and community-minded to step up as Nuffield Scholar 190, 191, 192, 193 and possibly 194. 

If you’re ready to undertake a truly unique learning experience. If you are ready to give back to your community, industry and sector, Nuffield is for you.

Nuffield is a unique learning experience.

A Nuffield Farming Scholarship is one of the most valued and prestigious awards in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Food and Fibre sector. Nuffield is part of a global food network promoting global vision, leadership and innovation.

The Nuffield global network provides scholars with access to international leaders and the best production, management and marketing systems around the globe.

You can read more about the Scholarship by downloading the 2025 Brochure here.

Six attributes of a Nuffield Scholar.

The scholar selection process will look for evidence that these attributes exist or have the potential to emerge in an applicant.

Bold

The will to step forward, to challenge conventional thinking, to act, to make decisions with confidence. 

Innovative

Someone who can develop and express original thinking and ideas.

Motivated 

Driven to go above and beyond to accomplish a goal. Someone who can find the energy and confidence needed to do so. 

Perceptive  

Possesses the cognitive, observational, and critical thinking abilities to assess challenges and generate usable insights.   

Community-minded 

Motivated to contribute to community by collaborating and sharing skills, knowledge, experience, and ideas, forging ever-stronger connections with people and place. 

Grounded

The practical, pragmatic and down-to-earth people in the Sector, ready to get things done.

Sound like you – or some you may know?

Apply by 18 August here, or refer someone in your network below.

 

Refer a future Nuffielder

Alumni in the Spotlight – Michael Tayler, Tessa Appleby and more.

It has been a busy time for alumni. This selection of news items is a nowhere near  adequate summary – possibly a good problem to have. For now the Spotlight is on Michael Tayler, Tess Appleby, Lucie Douma, Matt Iremonger, James Allen, and Carlos Bagrie.

Michael Tayler, 2012 Nuffield Scholar.

Michael featured in Farmers Weekly recently in an article covering both he and his brother’s work in Japan. In the article Michael said there are a small number of Canterbury growers supplying carrots to Juice Products New Zealand for health-conscious consumers in Japan.

“It is an interesting story, and really satisfying to see New Zealand carrot juice on the supermarket shelves in Japan,” says Michael Tayler.

Take a read of the Farmers Weekly article.


Lucie Douma, 2022 Nuffield Scholar.

Lucie Douma will be speaking at E Tipu 2024. Another great reason to attend, either in-person or online. Lucie’s report ‘Data sharing to achieve data interoperability’ discusses the need to find a better way of collecting, managing, and using information on our farms as part of the decision-making process – and for this we need data interoperability and data sharing of systems.

 

Lucie is Head of Client Strategy and Advice at FMG Lucie has been instrumental in shaping strategies that resonate with the needs of the modern farmer, focusing on innovation and resilience in the face of changing agricultural landscapes.

See Lucie’s full bio for E Tipu here.

Get your tickets for E Tipu 2024 here.

 

Matt Iremonger, 2023 Nuffield Scholar.

Matt was interviewed a couple of weeks ago on the CountryWide Podcast. Where his Nuffield report ‘What’s the beef? Opportunities for beef on dairy in New Zealand’, was discussed, specifically the issue of non-replacements (1.8 million calves are slaughtered annually at 4-7 days).

Listen to the podcast here.

Matt’s Nuffield report looks at the opportunity for beef on dairy to shift the value chain from dysfunctional to functional.

In a supporting article by Sarah Perriam-Lampp, he also featured in CountryWide, Beef Country Autumn, pages 15-18. Check the article, ‘World’s best grass-fed steak’. To partially quote the article flavour text, ‘Handpicked genetics, farm systems and top-notch grading to be crowned the best…’

You can read the article here.

James Parsons also features in this issue on the use of Halter in hill country. Nick Jolly, 2023 Kellogg Scholar lends his expertise with an article on page 13. Upcoming 2024 Kellogg Programme Two Scholar and John Daniell Memorial Trust Scholarship winner, Rachel Joblin has written an article on integrated farm planning (pages 20 and 21).


James Allen, 2023 Nuffield Scholar.

James was also interviewed on the CountryWide Podcast where he discussed his report, ‘Redefining excellence in agribusiness advisory. The role of the rural advisor in the modern world’.

You can listen to this podcast here.

James’ report explores the challenges faced by the rural advisor in a farming world striving to feed an ever-increasing population whilst also reducing its environmental footprint. This report gives guidance as to how the rural advisor might continue to add value to farmers in this fast-changing context.

 

Tessa Appleby, 2023 Kellogg Scholar.

Tessa features in several recent articles, including Farmers Weekly. This piece covers the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and the loss of her home.

The article also covers Tessa’s Kellogg research which aimed to review and analyse the current understanding and perception of Bovine TB among farmers and industry professionals.

The research report explored aspects of BovineTB management strategy and a human-centred approach to its eradication. 

One significant aspect of the findings was the importance of storytelling in creating empathy and understanding. 

“Sharing people-centered stories and case studies can complement technical information and foster a deeper understanding of disease management strategies,” Tessa said. 

You can read Tessa’s Kellogg report ‘Eradicating complacency’ here.

 

Carlos Bagrie, 2024 Nuffield Scholar.

Most readers will know about Royalburn’s new beer Swifty. Carlos Bagrie worked closely with Garage Project to produce a refreshing and highly accessible beer, made from the Station’s own barley. You can read the article here (scroll to page 34). 

Nuffield featured on an episode of Nadia’s Farm recently Season 2, Episode 6. If you are all signed up for TV3 OnDemand, check it out. (Image is on the steps of the Beehive just prior to the Nuffield Awards, November 2023).

Introducing Paul Crick – NZRLT Independent Trustee.

The NZRLT Board and Leadership Team welcomed Independent Trustee Paul Crick, to the NZRLT Board late last year.

On the appointment Kate Scott, Chair, said, “Paul’s diverse range of skills, his deep passion for the Sector, and his extensive governance experience in both education and in industry, make him a valuable addition to the Board. We’re excited by the mix we now have on the governance team.”

Paul and partner Dayanne Almeida lease an 850ha sheep, beef and deer farm in the Wairarapa.

Paul has an extensive 30-year background in agriculture and education, both nationally and overseas; from working and managing large-scale properties in the North and South Islands to farm consultancy in Chile and Brazil, along with developing the next generation of NZ farmers in his previous executive role, Director of Farms for Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. 

Paul has been involved in many agricultural and social research projects in conjunction with Massey University, AbacusBio, Alliance Group, Beef + Lamb Genetics New Zealand, and AgResearch. He is currently operating the hill country sheep and beef central progeny flock on the AgResearch property.

Paul is also a Council Member on Muka Tangata, the Workforce Development Council for People Food and Fibre, the Chair of the Beef and Lamb Farmer Council Executive and adds Independent Trustee, New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust, to his governance commitments.

Realising Leadership Potential in New Zealand’s Food and Fibre Sector.

From a concept that originated nearly two and a half years ago, a new leadership report draws on extensive research and from hundreds of perspectives of people working in food and fibre.

‘A Path to Realising Leadership Potential in Aotearoa NZ’s Food and Fibre Sector’ is the result of a collaboration between Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) and the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (Rural Leaders).

The report, enriched by the concepts of Te Ao Māori and of Pacific cultures, does not claim to provide a definitive answer to leadership, but instead offers a principles-centred model for leading in the Sector, encouraging leaders to find their personal leadership approach and to embark on their own path.

Recognising that leadership development is not a linear path and acknowledging the diversity and complexity of the sector, the research proposes a dynamic, living ecosystem. An ecosystem that can be interacted with, leveraged, adapted, shared, and yet retain a common essence that can be spread across the way we work, interact with others, and envision the future. 

“A sustained flow of capable and self-aware leaders is critical to the Food and Fibre sector remaining vital and vibrant into the future. The Sector needs leaders that are continuously developing themselves and the teams they work with”, said Lisa Rogers, CEO, Rural Leaders.

This latest report follows previous research which looked at the state of leadership development in NZ, and also proposed a principles-centred leadership model for the Sector.

The report synthesises the thinking from the first two reports and provides a framework for the Sector to develop a flow of prepared leaders to step into ever more impactful roles.

“This work is an important step in the pathway to providing a tangible framework for leadership development for the whole of the Food and Fibre sector, which will not only be for the betterment of our sector’s people but for the betterment of the country,” said Kate Scott, Chair, NZ Rural Leadership Trust.

Dr Lilla du Toit, Portfolio Manager, Food and Fibre CoVE commented, “This research project holds immense importance for the Food and Fibre sector, significantly shaping the development of leadership roles across all the industries it serves. It will also play a crucial role in fortifying two other key leadership initiatives, namely the Horticulture NZ Leadership Programme redesign by Rural Leaders, and the Food and Fibre CoVE and Muka Tangata backed Food and Fibre Māori Leadership Development Framework.”

Rural Leaders wish to sincerely acknowledge the authors for their tireless work on this report, and acknowledge too, project collaboration partners, Food and Fibre CoVE, and the generous support of Strategic Partners DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, FMG, AGMARDT, Mackenzie Charitable Foundation, and Programme Partners LIC, Farmlands Co-operative, Zespri, MPI, FAR, Horticulture NZ, and Rabobank.

You can download the latest report here.

Allan Pye, 1982 Nuffield Scholar, passes.

Rural Leaders, The Board of Trustees, and Nuffield New Zealand were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Allan Pye (1982 Nuffield Scholar). We offer our deepest condolences to Allan’s family.

Many will have known, or known of, Allan, who passed away peacefully at Burwood Hospital on Saturday at the age of 83.

Allan’s funeral service is to be held on the farm at 276 Rise Road, Winchester on Friday, March 22, at 2.00pm. Messages to The Pye Family, 251 Rise Road, R D 26, Temuka, 7986.

Allan was affectionately known as ‘The Spud King’ after spending a lifetime building a large potato business on both sides of the Tasman.

Alan was always happiest working on the farm. In a recent Herald interview, he was quoted as saying, “I love sitting on a header. There’s nothing more satisfying than sitting on a header and harvesting 10 to 12 tonne per hectare crop of wheat. It’s better than anything.”

If you would like to leave a message for Allan’s family, you can leave condolences here https://deaths.press.co.nz/nz/obituaries/the-press-nz/name/allan-pye-obituary?id=54652220

 

Seeking applications for a 2024 Associate Trustee role.

The Board of Trustees for the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust, responsible for governing the Nuffield Scholarships, Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and the Value Chain Innovation Programme, wish to appoint an Associate Trustee.

This governance development opportunity is open to Nuffield, Kellogg and Value Chain Alumni.

The Associate Trustee will have the opportunity to:

  1. Sit on the Board and gain greater understanding of governance processes under an experienced Board.
  2. Provide input into the development of two of the leading rural leadership programmes in New Zealand.
  3. Provide insights and perspective as a graduate of the programme(s).

The Role
The position is included fully in all Board activities, events and meetings.

The Associate Trustee is expected to fully contribute to all Board discussions and actions as if they were a Board member of the organisation and attend events associated with the role. However, the role has no voting rights.

Eligibility
The Associate Trustee role is open to Alumni of the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust who completed their programme between 2018 – 2023, inclusive.

Term
The term of appointment is for a twelve-month calendar year (January – December), which provides an opportunity to cover a full year of operations.

There are seven more Board meetings this year and several events. Most events are held in Christchurch or Wellington.

Flight and accommodation costs are covered, where applicable.

The Board meeting schedule is:

  1. April 10 (Wellington)
  2. May 22 (Online)
  3. July 3 (Christchurch)
  4. August 21 (Online)
  5. September 11 (Wellington)
  6. November 4 (Wellington)
  7. December 18 (Online)

Remuneration
There is no remuneration or payment, however all direct costs (such as flights and accommodation where required) relating to meeting attendance, will be met.

Confidentiality and Conduct
On appointment the Associate Trustee will be asked to sign a confidentially agreement.

Although the position is not an appointed Trustee of the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust, the appointee is expected to adhere to the code of conduct of a Board member.

The Associate Director is expected to comply with any reasonable directions of the NZRLT concerning their role.

Application
Interested scholars should forward their application by 28 February 2024 to Lisarogers@ruralleaders.co.nz

Applications should be in writing, with a CV and a covering letter with the following;

  1. The reasons for applying for the role,
  2. What you expect to gain from the opportunity, including how the opportunity would contribute to your leadership goals,
  3. How you might contribute to the Board’s skills, experience and perspectives.

Appointment process
An appointments sub-committee (a delegated committee of the Board) and the Chief Executive will consider all applications and provide a recommendation to the full Board who will approve the appointment.

The successful Associate Trustee will be notified by Mid-March and will be invited to attend the 10 April Board meeting in Wellington and subsequent meetings and events.

For any questions please contact:
Lisa Rogers, Chief Executive
Phone: 021 139 6881
Email: lisarogers@ruralleaders.co.nz