Red meat industry hails new migrant visa rules as win for jobs and exports
New Zealand's red meat processing and exporting sector has welcomed the government's announcement of new work visas.
Fifty women from NZ’s meat sector came together at last month’s Red Meat Sector Conference to discuss how to support more women into the sector.
The discussion happened at a luncheon hosted by Meat Business Women New Zealand (MBW NZ) where Minister of Rural Women’s Affairs, Meka Whaitiri, was keynote speaker.
Whaitiri told the crowd she was there to ensure the Government was contributing to the progression of gender and ethnic inclusivity.
“We know that women have the skills and the talent to succeed,” she said, adding that it is incumbent on everyone to support future generations of female leaders in New Zealand, “to ensure women have everything they need to move forward, with confidence and certainty, as they progress through their careers.”
Later on, a panel discussion saw Kristin Akehurst, chief financial officer at AFFCO; Sarah Brown, board director at Alliance Group; and Nicola Johnston, group marketing manager for Silver Fern Farms shared their experiences.
Akehurst said she has tried to make conscious decisions to step out of her comfort zone throughout her career.
“My initial perception of the meat industry was blown out of the water. It is incredibly dynamic and full of inspiring and passionate people. I’ve thrived in the environment and progressed by being courageous,” she said.
Johnston added to Akehurst’s point by saying “It’s easy for people to get caught into one course of work within their career.”
The event comes after MBW, a global networking group, commissioned an international report into the gender make-up of the global meat industry.
The report found that while women make up 36% of the meat industry’s global workforce, only 5% of chief executive roles in the industry, globally, are held by women.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is a territory partner of MBW NZ and chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said that events like the luncheon are one of the ways women in the sector can support each other.
“It’s been incredibly inspiring to hear from our speakers today. Mentoring and profiling the successes of other women, including learning from opportunities grasped and challenges overcome, helps to build both business and personal transformation within our community,” she said.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.