Ben Purua named Meet the Need’s first ambassador
The 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, Ben Purua has been named farmer-backed charity Meet the Need's first official ambassador.
With a background in the meat industry and rural media, Fisher brings experience and commitment to tackling food insecurity across the country, the charity says. He joined the Meet the Need Board in April 2023.
Fisher takes over from Julia Jones, a founding board member of Meet the Need, who served as chair for past four years. Jones is taking a new role as general manager of Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT).
Originally from Dunedin, Fisher’s family founded Fishers Meats in 1915. He transitioned into radio advertising in 2008, eventually becoming head of rural at MediaWorks.
“One of the reasons I joined Meet the Need is that I understood at a deeply personal level that you never know when you’re going to need support,” says Fisher.
“When our family business closed, I went from being a managing director of a large family business to having no job or income. You just don’t know what’s around the corner. Meet the Need gives us the ability to help those who need it most at an incredibly difficult and stressful time.”
Fisher sees public awareness as a key opportunity for Meet the Need.
“Not everyone knows who we are yet, despite the great work we do,” he explains. “My goal is to use my network to help grow awareness of what we do and how we do it.”
He acknowledged Jones’ contribution.
“Julia was an effective chair who brought incredible energy and drive for outcomes to her role – we will miss her greatly,” says Fisher.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and carry the charity into its next exciting phase.”
The Meet the Need board comprises of Fisher, Greg McSkimming, Cheyenne Wilson, Nicki Mackay, Shaheen Junge, and Jo Hay.
Fisher notes that the board brings together a diverse set of skills and high capability, united by our vision that no one should go hungry or malnourished in New Zealand.
Fisher urges farmers and supporters to remember that food insecurity isn’t always visible.
“You don’t know who needs a little extra help putting dinner on the table,” he says. “It could be your neighbour, someone at your school, or a member of your community who needs access to nutritious food. The ability to provide quality protein to those in need is absolutely vital.
“Our responsibility is to ensure our longevity. I’d love for Meet the Need to still be here in 100 years, thriving and making an impact.”
