MPI Boss Says H5N1 Will Inevitably Reach New Zealand
Don’t worry about it but just be aware - that’s the message from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director-general Ray Smith as the H5N1 strain of bird flu is found in Australia.
Coupled with the Government's target of doubling exports by 2025 there is a need to grow the primary industry skill base, and encourage more youth into the myriad of agricultural careers on offer.
Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy has spoken of the need to attract the best people into primary industries.
"Industry and Government need to start working closely together because we are facing a skills shortage in the future."
New Zealand Young Farmers has taken a leading role in encouraging and developing that skill base and contributes to many co-I ndustry initiatives including the Get Ahead Programme which will feature at the Career and Education Hub at the Fieldays.
Sixty Auckland students will get to hear from a number of inspirational speakers including former Silver Fern Bernice Mene.
Bernice is representing the Pinnacle programme - a unique mentoring programme for passionate teens between 15 to 18 years old.
Providing talented young New Zealanders with the foundations for success, Pinnacle mentors work across a number of sectors including the primary industry.
The urban students will also learn about the many and varied opportunities the primary sector holds - opportunities those students would not be exposed to otherwise.
As part of that NZYF will display the work the organisation is doing in partnership with the Red Meat Profit Partnership in education.
Alongside CORE education, NZYF has been developing professional and NZQA accredited teaching and learning resources for teachers and students.
NZYF education project manager Anastacia Harlen said the resources enabled students throughout New Zealand an opportunity to connect with primary industry contexts.
"It's positive to see that schools are embracing the need to integrate agricultural context into a range of subject areas that would not typically use this context. This provides students with the opportunity to connect with, experience and develop an understanding of the agricultural sector, just as they would in the workplace."
The Hub will also showcase leadership and award scholarship opportunities within the rural sector while visitors can also attend the panel discussions and multiple seminars presented by industry-leading companies.
NZ Young Farmers CEO Terry Copeland said the Hub would be a great opportunity to showcase the clear pathways for young people to make rewarding and successful careers within agriculture and agri-business.
The Careers and Education Hub is situated at the Fieldays Theatre on E Street.
