Government Backs NZ Young Farmers Clubs Nationwide
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
NZ Young Farmers’ new chief executive will “couch surf” her way around the North Island next month.
Lynda Coppersmith has announced plans for a road trip to meet members in Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and the Waikato.
She will also join 40 teachers on a Teachers’ Day Out event in Hawke’s Bay on November 6.
“We’re going to be visiting a sheep and beef farm, a butchery, a cider maker and a mushroom farm,” said Coppersmith.
“Teachers’ Day Out is a fantastic event where we get teachers out of the classroom and into fields and factories.”
“The trips are designed to inspire teachers about the exciting range of career opportunities in the agri-food sector,” she said.
Teachers’ Day Out events are also planned for Raglan, Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Invercargill.
They’re part of the vital work NZ Young Farmers carries out in schools to promote the primary industries.
“We have a dedicated team of teachers and territory managers across New Zealand helping schools use our unique learning resources, run TeenAg clubs and get students onto farms,” she said.
Coppersmith started at NZ Young Farmers on October 1 and is based in Christchurch.
“Members are the backbone of our organisation,” she said.
“Our network of almost 80 clubs are a key part of communities, helping grow leaders and keeping young people connected.”
“I’m looking forward to hearing from members and understanding what’s important to them,” she said.
Road trip itinerary:
Tuesday 6th November
Day: Attend Teachers’ Day Out event in Hawke’s Bay. Meet East Coast Territory Manager.
Night: Meet with NZ Young Farmers members in Waipukurau.
Venue: Dax’X Restaurant & Bar, Waipukurau, 7pm.
Wednesday 7th November
Day: Drive to Hamilton. Meet Hamilton-based NZ Young Farmers staff.
Night: Meet with NZ Young Farmers members in Hamilton.
Venue: Norris Ward McKinnon House, Hamilton, 7pm.
Thursday 8th November
Day: Drive to Taranaki. Meet Taranaki/Manawatu-based NZ Young Farmers staff.
Night: Meet with NZ Young Farmers members in Toko.
Venue: Toko Tavern, Toko, 7pm.
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.

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