Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
Brazendale was DairyNZ's regional leader for the Lower North Island before he took up the new role.
With 30 years of experience in the dairy sector, Brazendale will be based in Palmerston North and work with farmers around the country.
Brazendale says he's in a unique position to help farmers more than ever.
"I've been in agriculture a long time and my work has been varied: farm advisory work, farm management research, rural banking, and dairy farm systems development.
"I also run a lamb and beef finishing operation in the Manawatu. So, I have a good understanding of farming, from milking cows and shearing sheep to the regulatory process in Wellington.
"I enjoy working one-on-one with farmers, but I'm more useful in a role where I can help shape the policies that affect farmers throughout the country. That's what I'm looking to do with Perrin Ag."
Brazendale says the Government wants to implement changes for the good of the environment and the country.
"I know some of the people at that level - I've worked with them before - and they really are toiling with good intentions.
"The challenge they face is understanding how their policies impact the wider farming system.
"Here's an example. When a government ecologist looks at a freshwater situation, they're seeing the issue almost exclusively through that ecological lens, which makes sense.
"What they often don't see are the domino effects their proposed changes could have beyond the immediate freshwater issue. That's what frustrates farmers - when well-meaning policies are unworkable or make farming less competitive.
"Part of my job is to bridge the gap between these worlds - to bring the on-farm perspective into the policy-making room, and vice versa. If that can be done, the environment can be respected, and farming can be sustain its profitability, New Zealand needs both."
Perrin Ag managing director Lee Matheson values Brazendale's successful track record in senior leadership, along with his exceptional technical knowledge and communication skills.
"He will be instrumental in helping us grow our business in the Rangitikei, Manawatu and Hawke's Bay, so farmers and growers in those regions can reach their full potential," he says.
"He will also be an asset to our firm as a mentor to our growing team of rural professionals and as someone with strong banking and industry connections."
