Pāmu Silver Stabilizer Dairy Beef Genetics Open to Farmers
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
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.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…