increase font size
Federated Farmers President William Rolleston (pictured) says Forrest is an ideal fit for the role.
Federated Farmers has welcomed Gavin Forrest to the position of general manager, policy and advocacy.
Prior to this appointment, Forrest was principal adviser, sector policy, policy and trade at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and spent more than four years as private secretary to three Government Ministers.
He also worked on a number of MPI projects including the Regional Growth Programme and Farm Systems Change.
Federated Farmers President William Rolleston says Forrest is an ideal fit for the role with more than 20 years policy development and advocacy experience in the primary industry as well as previous experience working for the Federation.
"Mr Forrest understands the agricultural sector and its ongoing challenges. Having started life as a sheep and beef farmer he's got an excellent understanding farming and the role and goals of Federated Farmers," says Rolleston..
"We look forward to drawing upon his vast wealth of knowledge, and firmly established relationships to further enhance the representation of Kiwi farmers."
As the previous Federated Farmers deputy director of policy, Forrest managed a range of national, regional and local policies across the organisation. He also held positions from branch chairman through to provincial senior vice-president as a farmer representative.
Forrest says, "This is an exciting time. My passion is and will always be for the long-term prosperity of the primary sector and its people by removing barriers and exploring opportunities.
"Federated Farmers is a unique and great organisation to work for. The work of its farmer representatives and staff is strongly exhibited in their dedication and enthusiasm," said Forrest.
Forrest also holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
Farmers want the Government to scrap controversial freshwater rules that "put river spirits and ideology ahead of practical water use", says Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper.
Listed rural trader PGG Wrightson chair Garry Moore and his deputy Sarah Brown have been voted out by shareholders.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying.
DairyNZ has appointed Dr Jenny Jago to a newly created leadership team role - science partnerships & impact advisor - as part of a strategic refresh of the organisation's science leadership.
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
When I interview Rachel Cox, she is driving - on her way to her next meeting.
With Fonterra's UHT plant at its Edendale site less than a year from completion, demand continues to grow for products the plant will produce, such as Anchor Whipping Cream.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…
