Woolworks scour reopens after $50m rebuild
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
Silver Fern Farms Co-operative chairman Rob Hewett is among three new directors appointed to the WoolWorks Board.
Hewett, who farms 9,250 stock units along with a 960ha sheep and beef breeding property and a finishing unit in Manuka Gorge, also serves as chairman of Farmlands Co-operative, and used to serve as the chair of the Strong Wool Action Group.
Also appointed to the WoolWorks Board is John Rodwell who is currently a director of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, and the Lincoln-based research centre Bioprotection Aotearoa.
Rodwell is also the founder, chairman and part-owner of Kintore Dairy Farm, a 1,500-cow dairy farm in Canterbury, and its 330ha support farm, Broadfields Farm, in Ashburton.
Mike Smith, director of Maui Capital, rounds out the group of newly-appointed directors. He has held various positions on the boards of Argosy Property Trust, the Lion Foundation, Fonterra, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
John Rodwell |
“Mike and John will bring significant expertise and experience to the WoolWorks Board and we are looking forward to them making valuable contributions,” says Hewett.
“We have all joined the Board because we firmly believe WoolWorks has an exciting future in itself, but also for New Zealand.”
Rodwell says he is confident he and his fellow directors can build on WoolWorks’ foundation and progress further added value opportunities.
“What’s clear is that there has been a sea-change in the perception of wool as a natural fibre with its outstanding environmental credentials,” he says.
“Consumers are increasingly recognising the draw-backs of synthetics and their reliance on fossil fuels and chemicals.”
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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