Woolworks scour reopens after $50m rebuild
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
Silver Fern Farms Co-operative chairman Rob Hewett is among three new directors appointed to the WoolWorks Board.
Hewett, who farms 9,250 stock units along with a 960ha sheep and beef breeding property and a finishing unit in Manuka Gorge, also serves as chairman of Farmlands Co-operative, and used to serve as the chair of the Strong Wool Action Group.
Also appointed to the WoolWorks Board is John Rodwell who is currently a director of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, and the Lincoln-based research centre Bioprotection Aotearoa.
Rodwell is also the founder, chairman and part-owner of Kintore Dairy Farm, a 1,500-cow dairy farm in Canterbury, and its 330ha support farm, Broadfields Farm, in Ashburton.
Mike Smith, director of Maui Capital, rounds out the group of newly-appointed directors. He has held various positions on the boards of Argosy Property Trust, the Lion Foundation, Fonterra, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
John Rodwell |
“Mike and John will bring significant expertise and experience to the WoolWorks Board and we are looking forward to them making valuable contributions,” says Hewett.
“We have all joined the Board because we firmly believe WoolWorks has an exciting future in itself, but also for New Zealand.”
Rodwell says he is confident he and his fellow directors can build on WoolWorks’ foundation and progress further added value opportunities.
“What’s clear is that there has been a sea-change in the perception of wool as a natural fibre with its outstanding environmental credentials,” he says.
“Consumers are increasingly recognising the draw-backs of synthetics and their reliance on fossil fuels and chemicals.”
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA) have signed an agreement which will open more of Canterbury Agricultural Park for public use while helping to provide long-term certainty for the A&P Show.
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
ASB head of rural banking Aidan Gent is encouraging farmers to speak to their banks when they are struggling.
Hunters around the country are hoping for some foul weather this weekend with the game bird season getting underway.
Farmers have been airing their concerns to the Government over changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme.