Meat Industry Association CEO to Step Down
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
A REPORT that forecasts the future workforce needs of the primary sector, 'Future capability needs for the primary industries in New Zealand' has been launched by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
"The report highlights that employment in the primary industries is expected to increase by 50,000 by 2025 to reach the Government's goal of an export double. Over half of these workers will need a tertiary or Level 4 qualification," says Guy.
Guy says the report is a snapshot of the future skills required across the sector. "There's good capacity in our tertiary education system to meet this need. The challenge for all of us is to inspire more young people to obtain good qualifications and work in the sector," he says.
"The new primary sector vocational pathway at senior secondary level, the new combined primary sector ITO, the EPIC challenge, and dedicated primary sector institutions like Lincoln, Massey, Taratahi and Telford will all play a part alongside the industry in achieving this.
"We also have many opportunities, such as the National Fieldays, for industry to showcase itself and entice the next robotic engineer, food scientist or silviculturist into the engine room of New Zealand's economy," says Guy.
The report also finds that primary industries will remain a major source of employment, especially in the regions. In some regions, such as Gisborne, Tasman, Marlborough and Southland, they account for nearly one in every three jobs.
The report was funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand with support from primary industry representatives.
See www.mpi.govt.nz/future_capability
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Solway Park in Masterton on Thursday evening.
Environment Southland is welcoming this week’s decision by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the release of Blaptea elguetai, a leaf‑feeding beetle that will help control the highly invasive Chilean flame creeper.
This March, the potato industry is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March alongside the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the vital role women play across every part of the sector — from paddocks and packhouses to research, leadership, and innovation.
Fruit trader Seeka posted a record profit and returns to shareholders in 2025.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.

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