Karen Williams named Irrigation NZ CEO

She will start in the role on February 24.

Williams is the national client propositions manager at FMG. She farms an irrigated 560ha mixed cropping, beef, and lamb finishing property in the Wairarapa with her husband Mick. They are past Supreme winners for the Wellington region in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Williams served as Feds national vice president and board member between 2020 and 2022. She also served as Feds national arable industry group chair for two years.

Chair of Irrigation New Zealand, Keri Johnston says Williams brings a wealth of experience into the role, including a background in resource management, agriculture and farming, notable awards for her achievements and wide recognition for her leadership skills.

Williams says she’s excited to take on a new challenge and sees the role at Irrigation New Zealand as a natural progression to her career.

“Having held other executive and board roles, this is an opportunity for me to combine my skills and experience, while also allowing me to help advocate for a sector I’m passionate about. There are synergies with the work I’ve been doing at FMG too – we’re both about getting better outcomes for farmers, growers and rural communities and that includes wider water users too.”

Johnston notes that Williams’ appointment to CEO comes at an interesting time.

“It’s a critical time for New Zealand in terms of how we safeguard our water for different uses, so getting Karen at the helm now is timely for advocating the best direction for irrigation in New Zealand.

“We are fortunate to also have Stephen McNally remaining in the Acting CEO role until Karen’s start date. Stephen will continue to add his expertise to IrrigationNZ as we work with both our members and partners to strengthen irrigation in New Zealand.”