Alliance Group chief executive steps down
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
Murray Taggart has been appointed the new chairman of meat processor, Alliance Group Ltd.
He replaces Owen Poole effective from October 1. Poole announced at shareholder meetings of the company in 2012 that it was his intention to retire this year. He is retiring as chairman and as a director on September 30.
Taggart was a farmer-elected director from 2002 to 2007 and was re-elected to the board in 2010. He is a member of the Group's audit and risk committee. Murray is a director of Ballance Agri Nutrients Ltd. He was a Nuffield Scholar in 1996 and a regional recipient of an FMG Rural Excellence Award in 2006.
Murray farms a 457 hectare sheep and cropping unit under irrigation in the Oxford district of North Canterbury.
Poole was the chief executive of Alliance Group from 1995 to 2005 and was appointed to the board as an independent director in 2008. He has been chairman since his appointment to the board.
The board of Alliance Group comprises nine directors, six elected by farmer shareholders and three independent directors appointed for the commercial skills they bring to the board.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

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