Esther Guy-Meakin Appointed Chief Executive of the NZ Meat Board
Esther Guy-Meakin has been announced as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) has appointed Nick Beeby as chief executive.
Beeby takes over the role from Sirma Karapeeva, who held the role since 2020 before announcing she was stepping down in February.
MIA independent chair Nathan Guy says Beeby brings significant sector expertise and leadership to the role.
“His existing chief executive experience in the red meat sector makes this appointment a positive step up," Guy says.
Guy says the position attracted a strong field of applicants, with Beeby standing out because of his experience across strategy, market development, quota administration and industry assurance.
“He understands the challenges and opportunities facing processors and exporters and will provide clear leadership for the Association and its members.”
Beeby is currently chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board, a role he was appointed to in January 2025.
He previously served as general manager, market development at Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
He is also a past chair of New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated, which oversees the New Zealand Farm Assurance programmes.
Guy says the meat industry remains an important contributor to New Zealand’s economy and regional communities.
“Nick’s knowledge of the sector will be valuable as MIA continues its work on behalf of members.”
Beeby will join MIA on 1 July, allowing for an orderly transition from his current responsibilities at the New Zealand Meat Board.
Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.
When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.
New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.