Agri Experts Give Their Views on 2050
Despite near universal optimism in the rural sector, a panel of New Zealand’s leading food and agri minds caution that the sector must be intentional about its future path.
The market downturn in dairy is among foremost concerns for Rabobank dairy research director Hayley Moynihan as she steps into the newly created role of the bank’s general manager Country Banking.
She is sure the bank has the right support systems in place for dairy farmers in its 33 branches, but a first priority will be to ensure the bank stay aligned to farmers needs in all sectors.
Moynihan told Rural News the new role of general manager Country Banking had been created in recognition of the size of the New Zealand business now.
She grew up on a dairy farm in Karamea on the West Coast and has spent her entire career in banking and agricultural markets, the last 10 years as an agricultural economist. She worked in the food and agribusiness research and advisory division, most recently as director of dairy research, New Zealand and Asia.
Moynihan, B.Appl.Ec., Massey University, and M.Sc (Agr.) University of London/Imperial College, worked in banking while studying extramurally.
Before joining Rabobank’s research team in New Zealand she led Rabobank’s London food and agribusiness corporate credit team. Her previous nine years were as a rural and retail banker at Westpac and Trustbank in New Zealand.
Moynihan says the new role is a return to banking and the finance side of the business which she looks forward to.
“The current challenges facing dairy notwithstanding, New Zealand has one of the world’s most dynamic and successful agricultural industries, with a positive and exciting long term outlook in the global markets,” she says.
Subject to regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Moynihan will start in the role from July 2.
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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