Rewarding farmers who embrace sustainability
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
The man who's played a leading role in the dairy industry for more than one-and-a-half decades will step down at the end of June.
Tim Mackle, chief executive of DairyNZ and before that CEO of Dexcel, says he has mixed emotions about leaving his current role. However, he believes it's a good time to go despite the mixed emotions about his decision.
Mackle believes announcing his decision now will allow the DairyNZ board to recruit a successor and ensure a smooth transition.
“I feel extremely privileged and proud to have had the opportunity to lead and help develop DairyNZ on behalf of our farmer owners/members. Right from our formation in 2007, to today, I’m proud of the many achievements we have delivered.”
Mackle says the dairy sector continues to go through challenging times and it’s crucial that it continues to work together to find ways that add the most value to farmers. He also feels optimistic about future opportunities for dairy and the wider NZ primary sector.
DairyNZ Chair Jim van der Poel says Mackle has made a huge contribution to both DairyNZ and to dairy farmers, by helping dairy farmers navigate challenges they have faced and continue to face.
“We’re fortunate to have had Tim at DairyNZ through many challenging periods. He has played a key role in developing the R&D programme and the development of our science-based policy and advocacy function. He has been a strong leader and advocate for dairy.”
Van der Poel added that because of Mackle’s strong passionate leadership he has made a significant contribution to the wider dairy and primary sectors, through his influence on various boards, steering groups, and committees.
“That puts us at DairyNZ in a great position to continue to deliver more for farmers and New Zealand.”
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…