McRae Wins Southern South Island B+LNZ Director Vote
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has announced a partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
The move is claimed to herald a new era of support for Kiwi Olympians, building upon a foundation of backing New Zealanders, and extending to encompass the entire New Zealand Team as they gear up for success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol says the partnership is a natural fit.
“Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ongoing support of our celebrated athletes is a testament to their commitment to sport and excellence in New Zealand,” Nicol says.
“We’re thrilled to have them join our family of partners,” she adds.
Echoing this sentiment, Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Kit Arkwright says the Olympic Games are a pinnacle of national pride.
“Much like our dedicated farmers, the New Zealand Team consistently delivers outstanding performances,” he says. “We’re excited to support them as they prepare to make their mark in Paris.”
The partnership aims to bring together rural communities and the Olympic spirit.
Arkwright highlighted the deep respect and support from farmers towards past Iron Maidens, encouraging them to rally behind the Fern this year.
“Our farmers and all food producers play a crucial role in fuelling our athletes, and we hope they take pride in the quality produce that powers New Zealand’s success on the global stage,” he says. “They are feeding the Fern.”
Beef + Lamb New Zealand ambassador and Olympic Rugby Sevens player, Stacey Waaka, says she is excited about the partnership.
“As both an athlete and an ambassador for Beef + Lamb New Zealand, I am thrilled to see these two worlds align,” she says.
“The values of commitment, excellence, and community that run deep in both the Olympic Games and the agricultural heritage represented by Beef + Lamb New Zealand resonate strongly with me.
“This partnership signifies a powerful union that will undoubtedly inspire and fuel our journey towards success in Paris 2024,” Waaka says.
When Northland leather worker Vernon Suckling started making horse saddles 50 years ago, quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles were unheard of.
Alliance Group has confirmed that eligible farmer-shareholders who supply and continue to back the business will receive up to $20 million later this year, following the strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats.
With a general election under five weeks away, Rural News is asking major political parties about their policies and positions on key issues facing the primary sector. We will run their responses to each question over the next four weeks. The ACT Party and the Greens didn't respond in time.
The red meat sector is in great heart.
Dr Scott Champion, Foundation for Arable Research chief executive, says that everyone in the supply chain had a role to play in driving the sector's long-term success.
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.

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