Tuesday, 21 April 2026 14:55

Perrin Ag Appoints Consultant Vicky Ferris to Strengthen Hawke’s Bay Agribusiness Support

Written by  Staff Reporters
Vicky Ferris Vicky Ferris

Perrin Ag has appointed Vicky Ferris as its new Hawke's Bay consultant.

The appointment marks the consultancy's first team member in 26 years to be based in the region.

Headquartered in Rotorua, Perrin Ag has worked alongside Hawke's Bay farmers for decades with recent work including farm purchase due diligence and investment analysis, Māori agribusiness advisory and support, and farm business review and resilience planning.

Perrin Ag says Ferris's appointment formalises the company's on-the-ground presence and signals its intent to expand its support for rural businesses in the region.

A Hawke's Bay local, Ferris is based in Waipawa. 

She grew up on her family’s sheep and beef farm in Wairoa and went dairying after high school.  Her diverse career in the primary sector – including appointments at Halter, First Light Wagyu NZ and Spring Sheep Dairy - has seen her develop a strong background in livestock supply, agribusiness and commercial operations.

Ferris has worked closely with farmers, processors and wider industry stakeholders, building a practical understanding of how on-farm decisions flow through the supply chain and influence commercial outcomes.

Ferris says she is passionate about doing work that adds real value back to farmers.

"Being part of Perrin Ag means I’m backed by an exceptional team, so I get the opportunity to keep learning while bringing my experience together in a consulting role that helps Hawke’s Bay businesses make confident decisions," she says.

“I see a real gap in the region for independent advisory support.  And if I can help fill that gap, that will be hugely rewarding.”

Lee Matheson, managing director of Perrin Ag, says there is increased demand for his team’s practical advice as Hawke’s Bay farming and horticulture businesses navigate major decision points.

“We’re working with rural businesses across the region, from Wairoa through to central and southern Hawke’s Bay.  Our clients are diverse, including sheep and beef, dairy and horticulture systems,” Matheson says.

"While we've been active in the region for many years, Vicky's presence means we will be even better connected to the local rural community," he adds.

“Our work in Hawke’s Bay is often focused on significant moments, such as when businesses are assessing change, managing risk, or making long-term commitments around land and capital.

“We’re deliberately selective about the work we take on, and our focus is on advice that can materially improve long-term outcomes. Vicky’s personal goal of adding value to our clients is perfectly aligned to Perrin Ag’s core objective.  She’s going to be a real asset to our Hawke’s Bay clients.”

More like this

Hawke's Bay Needs Water, and the Numbers Prove It

OPINION: New economic modelling confirms what many of us in Hawke's Bay have long understood - getting water security right for this region is one of the most important decisions we face as a community. Not just for farmers, but for everyone who lives, works and builds a future here.

Featured

Peter Reynolds Awarded Horticulture NZ's Bledisloe Cup

Potatoes New Zealand has congratulated Peter Reynolds of TA Reynolds Ltd in Pukekohe on being awarded the Horticulture New Zealand Bledisloe Cup, recognising a lifetime of service and contribution to New Zealand horticulture.

Sharemilkers Credit DairyBase Tool for Staffing Decisions

Signing up to a benchmarking tool is not about competition, but about improving collectively, says Ximena Puig and Alvaro Luzardo who are 50-50 sharemilkers at a 164-hectare (effective) dairy farm in Eketāhuna in the Lower North Island.

National

Machinery & Products

 

 

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

True Reflection?

A fair question has been raised about how member-funded organisations should conduct themselves when taking a public position on any…

Civil Circus!

OPINION: It really is getting harder to lampoon government bureaucrats when they do such a good job of it themselves.…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter