Building trust
OPINION: The war of words between Southland farmers and Environment Southland over winter grazing inspections reflects a deep lack of trust among farmers for the regional council.
Copeland, 50, chief executive of NZ Young Farmers since 2013, replaces Graham Smith in July.
Copeland is looking forward to a new challenge.
"I feel the time is right to take the step up to Federated Farmers during a period when the wider industry needs renewed leadership," he said.
Federated Farmers’ president Katie Milne described Copeland as a strategic thinker who understands young people.
"Terry’s done an amazing job lifting the profile of NZ Young Farmers, building its membership base and increasing member participation," she said.
"We need to get more young farmers engaged in the important work our organisation does. We’re confident Terry can help do that."
Copeland says many of our NZ Young Farmers members join Federated Farmers when they ‘age out’.
“It’s a natural progression. So the irony of my latest career move isn’t lost on me," he says.
NZ Young Farmers Board chairman Jason Te Brake says Copeland’s departure will be a big loss.
"Terry has helped transform our organisation and put it on a more sustainable footing," he says.
"He also cares deeply about the wellbeing of members and has been a passionate advocate of tackling suicide in rural communities."
NZ Young Farmers expects to begin advertising for a new chief executive next month.
Prior to joining NZ Young Farmers Copeland had more than 20 years’ experience in the wine industry. He’s also an international wine judge.
