Policy man takes high posting

Before joining DairyNZ in June 2008, Simon Tucker had worked 12 years for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Teheran and Washington DC. 

He then left MFAT and spent six years with Fonterra in the US then returned to New Zealand to join the newly created DairyNZ.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says Tucker’s leaving will be a loss to DairyNZ and the dairy industry. “We’ll miss him and his skills. I’m grateful we’ve had him for the last four and half years. But I accept he’s got a tremendous opportunity in his new role. I wish him the best and we know New Zealand will benefit from his skills.”

Tucker says the Ottawa appointment offer came out of the blue and was an honour. They wanted someone who understood Canada which he did because of his time with Fonterra.

Tucker’s background is trade and economic issues, in which he worked in Teheran and Washington DC. 

“I leave DairyNZ with sorrow. I believe passionately in the mission of DairyNZ and I think… it’s full of motivated, skilled people doing some of the most important work in New Zealand. It was not a decision I took lightly for sure; the dairy industry will always be close to my heart. 

“Part of the opportunity of this role is that I can continue to work in New Zealand’s and the dairy industry’s interests.”

Among his achievements at DairyNZ were the setting up of a million dollar-plus project in R&D, positive changes in biosecurity and sensible, pragmatic changes to ETS.

“The other big issue has been in the environment area and I have been involved in the LAWF process. This is going to lead to real win-wins in RMA reform and irrigation. This collaborative decision making between the dairy industry, regional councils and government and other stakeholders is very positive.  DairyNZ is well placed to play a constructive role in working with others.”

Tucker says he’s looking forward to his new role in Canada and says the sky is the limit in potential.