Rural Leaders New Zealand

The Rural Leader

Your latest issue.

Welcome to this latest Issue of the Rural Leader.

In this month’s Ideas that Grow Podcast, we hear from Mel Poulton, 2014 Nuffield Scholar. Mel talks to Bryan Gibson, Farmers Weekly Managing Editor about the opportunity that remains for New Zealand to extract ongoing value from our sector IP, by building and learning together with nations developing their agricultural industries.

We said farewell to Craige Mackenzie and Michael Tayler, who, after eight years serving as Trustees for the Nuffield and NZRLT Boards, have stepped down. They share a few highlights from their tenures.

Lisa Rogers, Rural Leaders GM, spoke to Rural Exchange recently in a podcast going into the background of The Mackenzie Study and our programmes. Well worth a listen for sector leaders considering participation in either Kellogg or Nuffield.

There’s one month remaining to apply for a 2024 Nuffield Scholarship. You know the patter – if you know someone in your industry you feel should apply, refer them. If you’re ready to commit to an incredible programme of learning and growth, apply.

We’ve had an engaging and insightful journey with the latest Kellogg Scholars. K49 graduated after completing their final presentations last Thursday. As a teaser to the reports we’ll share next month, we give you their report topics.

Value Chain Innovation Programme applications are now open. We’re excited to offer this once again after 2022’s success. This November’s programme will follow a similar itinerary to last years’, diving into 5+ North Island novel, disruptive and established value chains. Applications close 17 September.

In this issue’s Alumni in the Spotlight, we share news about Nuffield Alums Lucy Griffiths, Hamish Marr, as well as Kellogg Alums Paul Ensor, Harriet Bell, and Siobhan O’Malley.

We cover some news from our Partners, and a leadership opportunity with MPI. 

We hope you enjoy this issue.

The Team at Rural Leaders.

Ideas that grow podcast.

Mel Poulton: Transformation before transaction. The potential of NZ’s Food and Fibre IP.

With her unique perspective as a farmer, as our most recent Special Agricultural Trade Envoy and as a 2014 Nuffield Scholar, Mel Poulton discusses the potential of our sector IP to help build high-integrity relationships with nations developing their agriculture industries.

Listen to the podcast below or click here to listen to the podcast or read the transcript.

Two NZRLT/Nuffield Trustees say farewell after eight years' service.

We asked Michael Tayler and Craige Mackenzie a few quickfire questions about their time as Trustees. They have steered Nuffield and the NZRLT through transformational periods and events, beginning with the formation of the NZRLT in February 2017.

“The transition of a start-up NZRLT to where we are today…has been significant and to be part of this journey has been a real pleasure”, says Craige Mackenzie.

Key statistics (above), thanks to some quick maths by Kate Scott, Rural Leaders Chair.

Take a read of the short article here.

The Mackenzie Study with REX and Lisa Rogers.

Following up on the last issue’s article covering the Mackenzie Study, Lisa Rogers, Rural Leaders GM, discussed the Study, the Kellogg with Rural Exchange (REX).

As well as breaking down the details on the Kellogg and Nuffield Programmes, Lisa talks through the results of the Study demonstrating the contribution of Scholars to the Food and Fibre Sector.

The Study was initiated by the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation alongside the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust. It was developed in collaboration with Otago Business School and the Department of Economics.

This world-first, cross-sectional study gives a powerful insight into the state of entrepreneurial leadership in industries across Food and Fibre. 

Listen to Lisa’s Podcast here (especially if you’re considering registering interest in the Kellogg Programme or Nuffield Scholarship).

You don’t need a degree to apply for a 2024 Nuffield Scholarship.

If you’re considering a 2024 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship, there’s still time to submit a great application before 13 August.

Once your application is in, the Nuffield selection process will focus on finding those talented, positive people, working hard on-farm, in agri-business, and from a wide range of Food and Fibre industries.

Passion, life-experience and contributing to industry or community counts toward your chances of receiving a 2024 Nuffield Scholarship. So, don’t be put off if you haven’t got formal qualifications. 

There are a few eligibility requirements to consider.
You should, 

  • be actively engaged in, or have a strong connection to, farming, growing, or food production
  • be committed to continuous leadership in the Food and Fibre Sector and/or rural community
  • exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit  
  • have a sound knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand Food and Fibre Sector
  • be a New Zealand citizen or hold New Zealand permanent residency status.

Simply register your interest here to receive an application form and to keep up to date on the programme.

Or, refer someone in your industry or network you think should apply via a quick form here.

Reports complete - Kellogg Programme One 2023 (K49) have graduated.

An outstanding round of presentations covering Scholars’ final research reports took place between July 3-7. With Phase Three now complete, K49’s Kellogg Programme journey has come to an end.

Topics ranged from ‘How effective are existing psychosocial services in supporting New Zealand farmers after adverse events’, to, ‘Aquaculture shellfish processes and third party certification.’

We’ll share the full reports in due course, for now, here’s the complete list of K49’s report titles. Make a note of any that might be of interest to you.

Apply for 2024’s Kellogg Programme One today.

If you, or others in your network are ready to develop the skills and tools to lead change, you could suggest they apply for 2024’s Programme One (K51) by 22 October (note we have moved this date forward 2 weeks).

In February’s Ideas That Grow Podcast, Dr Scott Champion, Programme Director, gave a podcast that anyone considering Kellogg should listen to. You can also take a look at our Kellogg Brochure here.

The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme’s 2024 dates are,

Programme One, Lincoln: 23 January – 4 July 2024

Phase One (Lincoln):
Tuesday 23 January – Wednesday 31 January 2024.
Phase Two (Wellington):
Monday 8 April – Friday 12 April 2024.
Phase Three (Lincoln):
Monday 1 July – Thursday 4 July 2024.

Applications close Sunday 22 October, 2023. 

Programme Two, Lincoln: 11 June – 28 November 2024

Phase One (Lincoln):
Tuesday 11 June – Wednesday 19 June 2024.
Phase Two (Wellington):
Monday 9 September – Thursday 12 September 2024.
Phase Three (Lincoln):
Monday 25 November – Thursday 28 November 2024.

Applications close Sunday 14 April, 2024.

The Value Chain Innovation Programme 12 – 18 November.

A Programme ideal for operational leaders looking to open-up their strategic thinking ability, build disruptive new insights on food and fibre innovation and gain a wider understanding of dairy, red meat, horticulture, technology, and kiwifruit value chains.

The Programme will focus on North Island dairy, red meat, horticulture, technology, and kiwifruit value chains.

Last year’s successful itinerary will be repeated again this year, with some changes and enhancements.

Read an article about last year’s programme here.

Applications are open until 17 September, 2023.  

The Programme begins in Auckland, Sunday 12 November and is likely to end with a dinner in Napier on Saturday evening, 18 November.  

The length of the Value Chain is six-days (short for a programme of this depth) to appeal to sector leaders who, while busy, do not want to put their professional and personal development on hold.

What will you gain from participation in the Value Chain Programme? 

You’ll not only gain a pan-sector view, but also, 

  • learn about value chains and models
  • learn how to generate and capture value 
  • meet key industry leaders and make connections
  • form a high-trust cohort of lifelong friends. 

“If you’re in food and fibre, now is the time to be gaining a pan-sector view of as many successful business models as possible.”
Co-Facilitator, Professor Hamish Gow.

To find out more or to register your interest visit here.

Alumni in the spotlight.

Alumni in the Spotlight: Lucy Griffiths, Hamish Marr, Siobhan O’Malley, Paul Ensor and Harriet Bell.

Lucy Griffiths, 2014 Nuffield Scholar.

Lucy has a long history of giving back to the sector. For Rural Leaders and Nuffield, Lucy was instrumental in the successful delivery of the 2021 Nuffield Biennial.

Lucy is stepping up to be a candidate standing for one of the two spots on the Farmland’s Board.

Lucy is Chair of Ministry of Primary Industries – Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund. She is also Deputy Chair of the Ministry for the Environment – Waste Minimisation Fund, to name just a few of her off-farm commitments. 

To support Lucy, or any of the candidates standing, you can click here (voting closes 1st August 2023). You can also read an independent evaluation of Lucy’s suitability summary by clicking here.


Hamish Marr, 2019
Nuffield Scholar.

One week in June it was all Nuffield. We had Murray King and Corrigan Sowman trading places after Corrigan was elected to the LIC Chair role. Mel Poulton also handed over to new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Hamish Marr on 1 July.

Here’s some of the coverage on Hamish’s appointment that has run since the Hon. Minister O’Connor’s office released news of the appointment.

Press Release.
Farmers Weekly.
Federated Farmers.


Siobhan O’Malley, Paul Ensor, Harriet Bell, 2018 Kellogg Scholars.

In case you missed it – Sunday 23 June’s episode of Country Calendar featured the 2018 Kellogg Alumni behind Hemprino. This is a unique hemp and merino wool combination that creates a new, all-natural fashion fabric for their clothing range.

The episode told the story of Hemprino and the three innovative Kellogg Scholars behind it (and their families).

On a side note – During this episode, Kellogg is referred to as a ‘Business Development Course’.

The Team at Country Calendar have agreed to ensure the correct names of both the Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship and Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme are used in the future, especially given Alumni are on the show so frequently!

You’ll need to sign up, or already be signed up to TVNZ+ to view.

The Rural Reader - Book reviews by Dr Patrick Aldwell.

Dr Patrick Aldwell, Academic Director, Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, reads more books than 99.97% of the population and is a firm believer in the power of lifelong learning.

In this ‘Rural Reader’, Patrick reviews Mindset – changing the way you think to fulfil your potential. By Dr Carol Dweck.

 

News from our Partners.

New Dairy Environment Leaders Chair appointed.

Hauraki farmer and 2019 Kellogg Scholar, Amber Carpenter has stepped into this national leadership role. Amber will support the network’s regional committees, as well as connect with farmers, and foster a sense of community.

Read DairyNZ’s 10 July article here.

Emma Poole wins FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

Emma Poole added winner of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year to her long list of achievements last Saturday night.

As part of the winner’s prize package, Rural Leaders, together with Lincoln University, have offered Emma a place on the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.

Congratulations to Lisa Kendall, 2018 Kellogger, who put in a strong performance across the entire Grand Final, picking up a category win.

Congratulations too to NZ Young Farmers, supported by FMG, for an expertly run evening and Grand Final.

Beef+LambNZ Awards.

Enter or nominate your sheep and beef industry champions for one of the eight B+LNZ Awards categories today.

Anyone working in the sheep and beef (dairy beef) industry is encouraged to enter, or nominate someone else, for one or several of the award categories. Entries close 23 July 2023.

You can enter or nominate here.

Industry News.

AWDT - Generation Change.

Young women, driven by purpose, will define our food and fibre future.

To prepare young women to make impact in the primary sector, Agri Womens Development Trust are again running Generation Change – a one-day workshop and mentoring programme in Hamilton (July 27).

By exploring personal values and strengths, drafting a career plan and connecting with inspiring food and fibre people – it’s about supporting the next generation of women to bring their true selves to the sector.

Know a young woman starting her primary sector journey in tertiary study or training? Tell her about Generation Change.

Leadership Opportunities

Director - Animal and Plant Health. MPI/Wellington

The Ministry for Primary Industries has an exciting senior leadership opportunity as Director Animal & Plant Health which is part of the Biosecurity New Zealand Leadership Team.

In this role, you will work across animal, plant and marine sectors to reduce the likelihood of harmful organisms entering Aotearoa  – negatively impacting Aotearoa’s economy, environment, social and cultural values.

Learn more here. 

Send us your feedback.

We’d like to know what you think of the Rural Leader and of you have any ideas on how we could improve it. 

Our programmes work in partnership with some of New Zealand’s leading agribusiness organisations – click here for more.​