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Hooper is a Lepperton dairy farmer and former Taranaki Federated Farmers president.
He was elected to Federated Farmers' national board in 2022 and has been closely involved in national rural policy and advocacy, including environmental and regulatory issues affecting farmers.
He is also a former chair of LIC's Shareholder Reference Group, adding further governance experience to his background in the primary sector.
NZPork Welcomes the Appointment
NZPork chair Paul Bucknell welcomed Hooper's appointment, saying his broad primary sector experience would be valuable to the board.
"Mark brings a strong understanding of farming, policy and rural communities, along with practical governance experience," Bucknell says.
"That perspective will be important as the board continues to support pig farmers through change and works to ensure New Zealanders can continue to enjoy locally farmed, high-quality pork."
Hooper's Outlook for the Job
Hooper says he is optimistic about the future of the New Zealand pork sector and is excited to be joining the NZPork board.
"New Zealand's pork sector is a proud industry with a strong environmental record and some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world," he says.
He points to recent regulatory certainty as a positive development for the industry.
"With greater certainty now around welfare rules, pig farmers have the confidence to invest in their farms, adopt new systems and keep building a resilient future for the sector."
Backing New Zealand-Grown Pork
Hooper says supporting the industry's ability to thrive matters for both farmers and consumers.
"It is important that the industry can thrive and that pig farmers can continue to provide nutritious, high-quality New Zealand born and raised pork, farmed to high welfare standards."
He also highlighted pork's role as an accessible protein option for New Zealand households.
"Pork is also an affordable and versatile protein for Kiwi families, and I know farmers are proud to produce food that is nutritious, accessible and trusted by consumers."
