New Feds President To Be The Voice Of Farmers
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
New Federared Farmers President Colin Hurst (Left) and new Federated Farmers Vice President Sandra Faulkner.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
"There’s so much work still to do, particularly in this period of legislative reform,” says Faulkner.
"The new RMA and local government legislation will inform how our children will farm, and that can’t be understated."
Faulkner says she’s proud of the way Federated Farmers has built relationships with decision-makers around New Zealand.
"Right now, there are national and regional leaders considering if they should pick up the phone or flick a message to the provincial Feds president.
"They know the response will be well-informed, considered from multiple points of view, deeply practical - and probably more affordable."
Faulkner has been on the Federated Farmers national board for four years, with the local government, adverse events, health and rural communities’ portfolios.
She farms with husband Rob at Wairakaia, near Gisborne, where they run a diverse operation including sheep, beef, cropping, citrus, farm forestry and contracting.
She also serves on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and is a trustee for the Campaign for Wool, along with holding other charitable directorships.
Meanwhile, Southland’s Chris Dillon joins the board as arable chair, taking over from David Birkett.
South Canterbury’s Greg Anderson has been voted in as an at-large board member, and Mark Hooper has held his spot as the other at-large member.
Richard Dawkins (meat and wool chair) and Karl Dean (dairy chair) have retained their positions.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.
South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst has been elected as the new president of Federated Farmers.

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