Young Farmers Step Closer to Ownership Through Pāmu Livestock Model
State farmer Pāmu says a programme it's running to help skilled operators into farm ownership is paying dividends.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced Dave Nuku is its new Associate Director, joining the board as an observer from 1 March 2026.
Nuku is currently general manager of Ngamanawa Corporation, a Māori entity with a diverse portfolio across forestry, kiwifruit, horticulture, energy, and conservation interests.
Pāmu says Nuku combines commercial sharpness with entrepreneurial leadership, having built and franchised fitness businesses throughout Asia - experience the state farmer says adds valuable diversity to its governance table.
John Rae, chair of Pāmu's board, says Nuku's appointment is about developing future governance talent while also ensuring the board benefits from a wide range of perspectives.
"Dave brings a strong values base, commercial insight, and proven financial acumen. His deep engagement with Māori governance structures and his ability to respond to both short and long-term shareholder needs will be incredibly valuable to Pāmu,” Rae says.
“His governance exposure through programmes such as Kellogg, the Institute of Directors, and Zespri governance development provides a strong platform for success in this Associate Director position. Dave’s understanding of Māori agribusiness and his cultural capability add further strength to the Board,” Rae adds.
The Associate Director role supports the development of emerging directors while enabling Pāmu to benefit from new thinking, lived experiences, and a deeper connection with Aotearoa New Zealand’s communities and shareholders.
Nuku says he looks forward to contributing to Pāmu and to developing further as a governance leader.
“It’s a privilege to join Pāmu in this capacity. I look forward to learning from the Board while also bringing my commercial and cultural perspective to support the important role in the primary sector Pāmu has," he says.
Potatoes New Zealand and Garden to Table have partnered together to celebrate a versatile vegetable and the people behind it.
Mainland Poultry has confirmed new ownership of its vertically integrated agribusiness with Pacific Equity Partners Gateway (PEP Gateway) now joining current shareholders Navis.
The recently published State of the Industry -Tractors and Machinery 2025 from the Australian Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA), the equivalent of New Zealand’s TAMA, gives an interesting perspective of the industry.
Strong competition and tightening supply have seen wool reach its highest prices paid at auction since 2011.
The Government is funding a feasibility study to investigate what would be required for a successful farmer-led purchase of the McCain Foods' vegetable processing site in Hastings.
A young man just five years out of his Lincoln University degree already has his foot in the door of farm ownership, as equity manager of a large new dairy conversion now taking shape in Mid- Canterbury.

OPINION: The old saying 'a new broom sweeps clean' doesn't always hold up, if you ask the Hound.
OPINION: This old mutt went to school to eat his lunch, but still knows the future of the country, and…