Editorial: Support Dairy
OPINION: Political parties are getting plenty of advice and recommendations from sector groups as the election approaches.
Māori-owned milk processor Miraka is looking for a new chief executive following the resignation of Karl Gradon last week.
Gradon, who was appointed chief executive three years ago, is leaving for personal and family reasons.
Miraka chair Bruce Scott attrributed much of Miraka's recent growth and success during the past three years to Gradon's leadership and efforts resetting the business for future success.
"Karl Gradon has successfully navigated Miraka through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for long-term, intergenerational success, as was envisioned by our founding leaders and shareholders.
"There are many successes and wins we attribute to Karl's leadership. This includes building a strong senior leadership team, evolving from single products to optimising customer focus and our portfolio of value-added products."
Gradon says that leading Miraka has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally.
"I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as a whānau and business. I am confident in the company's continued success.
"Our shareholders bestowed a set of values that I personally admire, and I look forward to seeing this values-based approach continue to flourish through the generations as our founders intended."
The Miraka board has begun a search for Gradon's replacement. Miraka chief operating officer, Richard Harding, is now acting as CEO.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.
Another former Federated Farmers national president is heading to Parliament.

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