Nicola Shadbolt elected as LIC director
Academic and former Fonterra director Nicola Shadbolt has been elected as LIC director.
As of 1 May, Plant & Food Research has a new chief executive in Mark Piper.
Board chair Nicola Shadbolt says they were happy to appoint Piper, who has 30 years global experience in the food and primary sectors, from a wide field of high calibre applicants.
"We are thrilled with the calibre of people who came forward wanting to be part of our organisation. This is testimony to the work of our people and our reputation for high quality, impactful science," she says.
"Mark's passion is clear and he takes great energy from its potential to create a positive and sustainable future. I know Mark will lead Plant & Food Research with innovation, integrity and respect."
Piper has previously worked at Fonterra with the last five years as a research and development director along with international relations in Japan and America. Piper takes over from David Hughes, who announced his retirement in late 2022. Hughes will remain on board throughout May in an advisory capacity.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

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