Import rules a pig's ear
Pig farmers say the idea that not every pork product sold in New Zealand has to be produced to this country’s own welfare standards is unfair.
Brent Kleiss has been appointed as the new chief executive of NZPork, the statutory industry body working to support New Zealand’s commercial pig farmers.
Kleiss joined NZPork as policy manager in July 2021, bringing widespread experience in the primary sector to the role.
Prior to his work with NZPork, Kleiss spent 13 years working for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), most recently as principal advisor – stakeholder and industry engagement for public affairs.
He also acted as chief quarantine officer at MPI for five years.
NZPork chairman Eric Roy says Kleiss is already a familiar face for many in the pork industry and the wider primary sector.
“Since joining NZPork, Brent has impressed us with his skills and strategi insight in a range of areas,” says Roy.
“We look forward to him making a valuable contribution to NZPork, especially as we face significant regulatory reform associated with farrowing crates and mating stalls and the environment.”
Kleiss says he is looking forward to meeting more members of the pork sector.
“I’ve already met a number of our farmers and it’s clear to me how much they care about their animals, their products and their communities. I’m also proud of the opportunity to lead the great team at NZPork,” he says.
Kleiss officially takes on the CEO role on 2 May.
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There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
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Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.