Marlborough Grower Melissa Tripe on Surviving the Downturn
Melissa Tripe knows what a downturn feels like.
Under pressure wine growers say the appointment of a new chief executive will bring a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry.
New Zealand Winegrowers chair Fabian Yukich says Anishka Jelicich’s appointment comes at an important moment for New Zealand’s wine industry. After more than three decades of export growth, New Zealand continues to build its global reputation for distinctive, premium, and sustainable wines.
Yukich says the industry’s long-term prospects remain positive with growth across export markets, a strong indicator of consumer preference for New Zealand wine.
“However, the sector is navigating a period of heightened global uncertainty, with a range of serious pressures currently facing growers and winemakers.”
He says that against this backdrop, Jelicich’s appointment brings an opportunity for a refresh.
“Anishka was a stand-out candidate for us with her deep understanding of the New Zealand wine industry, combined with extensive global knowledge and experience.”
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.

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