BNZ and Pāmu Launch New Native Forest Revenue Model for New Zealand Landowners
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) and Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) have developed a new way for landowners to earn revenue from existing native forests.
State farmer Pāmu has announced two new appointments to governance roles.
Libby Tosswill has been announced as Pāmu’s associate director and an observer on its board.
Tosswill has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago and a financial markets background both in New Zealand and internationally.
Since, 2010 she and her husband Ben have been farming near Pōrangahau on Birch Hill Station, a 1,300ha sheep and farm with production forestry, 350ha of native bush, including a mainland long-tailed bat colony.
Libby joined Pāmu in time for its February board and sub-committee meetings. The team farewelled Bridget Giesen who has been in the associate director role for the past 12 months at its March meeting in Dunedin this week.
The state-owned enterprise has also announced that international food marketer Jillian Laing has been appointed to the board of Spring Sheep Milk Co, a public-private partnership jointly owned by Pāmu and SLC Group.
Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie says Laing brings expertise in marketing and sales, a global lens and connections, and commerciality in the demand generation space.
“She has been the CEO of a tech start-up and had extensive experience in global sales and marketing while she was at Fonterra,” Leslie says. “Now in her role with the World Macadamia Organisation, she is across consumer trends and customer insights globally. Jillian brings a new perspective, and we are excited to welcome her into the fold.”
Pāmu board chair Warren Parker says the company has a focus on increasing agri-sector leadership opportunities for women and Māori.
“Growing directors for the future is a great way to ensure continuity and development opportunities for the benefit of both individuals and the wider primary sector,” he says. “These sorts of initiatives provide those with governance potential and ambition, the opportunity to participate on a board.”
“It also provides boards with exposure to diverse talent, ideas, and experiences. I’d like to acknowledge respected industry leader Peter McClure’s contribution in the selection process of Jillian who will help to strengthen our appreciation of export marketing and sales skills especially into Asia.”
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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