Wine Art: Hawke’s Bay Winemaker Honours Family Through Unique Wine Labels
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more emphatic tribute to family than the one Jenny Dobson conveys via her Hawke's Bay wines.
Perrin Ag has appointed Vicky Ferris as its new Hawke's Bay consultant.
The appointment marks the consultancy's first team member in 26 years to be based in the region.
Headquartered in Rotorua, Perrin Ag has worked alongside Hawke's Bay farmers for decades with recent work including farm purchase due diligence and investment analysis, Māori agribusiness advisory and support, and farm business review and resilience planning.
Perrin Ag says Ferris's appointment formalises the company's on-the-ground presence and signals its intent to expand its support for rural businesses in the region.
A Hawke's Bay local, Ferris is based in Waipawa.
She grew up on her family’s sheep and beef farm in Wairoa and went dairying after high school. Her diverse career in the primary sector – including appointments at Halter, First Light Wagyu NZ and Spring Sheep Dairy - has seen her develop a strong background in livestock supply, agribusiness and commercial operations.
Ferris has worked closely with farmers, processors and wider industry stakeholders, building a practical understanding of how on-farm decisions flow through the supply chain and influence commercial outcomes.
Ferris says she is passionate about doing work that adds real value back to farmers.
"Being part of Perrin Ag means I’m backed by an exceptional team, so I get the opportunity to keep learning while bringing my experience together in a consulting role that helps Hawke’s Bay businesses make confident decisions," she says.
“I see a real gap in the region for independent advisory support. And if I can help fill that gap, that will be hugely rewarding.”
Lee Matheson, managing director of Perrin Ag, says there is increased demand for his team’s practical advice as Hawke’s Bay farming and horticulture businesses navigate major decision points.
“We’re working with rural businesses across the region, from Wairoa through to central and southern Hawke’s Bay. Our clients are diverse, including sheep and beef, dairy and horticulture systems,” Matheson says.
"While we've been active in the region for many years, Vicky's presence means we will be even better connected to the local rural community," he adds.
“Our work in Hawke’s Bay is often focused on significant moments, such as when businesses are assessing change, managing risk, or making long-term commitments around land and capital.
“We’re deliberately selective about the work we take on, and our focus is on advice that can materially improve long-term outcomes. Vicky’s personal goal of adding value to our clients is perfectly aligned to Perrin Ag’s core objective. She’s going to be a real asset to our Hawke’s Bay clients.”
Dougal Morrison has been elected as the new President of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA).
Perrin Ag has appointed Vicky Ferris as its new Hawke's Bay consultant.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society is encouraging teachers to register school groups for the 2026 National Fieldays, set to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre from 10-13 June.
The appointment of Richard Allen as Fonterra's new chief executive signals execution, not strategy, according to agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Potatoes New Zealand has become much more than a grower body, according to Pukekohe grower Bharat Bhana.
The country's kiwifruit growers seem to have escaped much of the predicted wrath of Cyclone Vaianu which hit the east coast of the North Island this month.

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…
OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…