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Nathan Guy and Dean Bell at the launch.
WAIKATO MILKING Systems chief executive Dean Bell says New Zealand must rethink how to ‘sell’ the sector to young people.
“Agriculture today has many career options for young people, ... and dairy technology has been at the cusp of innovation and growth. But to maintain that momentum we need the brightest and best. Investing in those young people is an investment in the future of this company, New Zealand agriculture and the economy.
“[About] 100 graduates enter New Zealand primary industries each year but we need ten times that if the sector… is to achieve its potential.”
Waikato Milking Systems is a partner in the St Paul’s College centre for excellence. It has hosted visits from senior St Paul’s faculty and current Year 13 students.
The school’s principal, Grant Lander, says much of the agribusiness curriculum development has been with agri organisations, universities and business. “Everyone is excited at what we have done so far and what we can still achieve…. we’re helping create something of national significance – innovative and ground breaking.”
Lander says secondary schools lack a structured, national programme to encourage students to study agricultural science and business in preparation for their tertiary study.
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The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
Science is pivotal to driving progress and unlocking opportunity and innovation in the ag sector, says DairyNZ chief executive and chair of the Agribusiness in Schools programme, Campbell Parker.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Solway Park in Masterton on Thursday evening.
Environment Southland is welcoming this week’s decision by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the release of Blaptea elguetai, a leaf‑feeding beetle that will help control the highly invasive Chilean flame creeper.
This March, the potato industry is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March alongside the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the vital role women play across every part of the sector — from paddocks and packhouses to research, leadership, and innovation.
Fruit trader Seeka posted a record profit and returns to shareholders in 2025.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.
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