Rural Mobile Coverage Worse After 3G Shutdown, Survey Finds
Mobile phone coverage and reliability are deteriorating in rural areas, and farming families are bearing the cost, according to a Federated Farmers survey.
Hooper replaces Paul Bucknell, who has retired from the board after 10 years. Bucknell was appointed chair in 2025.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed chair of NZPork, which has a proud history of supporting pig farmers and advocating for born and raised New Zealand pork,” Hooper said.
Hooper joined the NZPork board earlier this year as an independent director.
He is a Lepperton dairy farmer and former Taranaki Federated Farmers president, was elected to Federated Farmers’ national board in 2022, and is a former chair of LIC’s Shareholder Reference Group.
Outlook for the Sector
Hooper said New Zealand’s pork sector has a strong environmental record and upholds some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.
“With greater certainty around welfare rules, pig farmers can now invest confidently in their farms, adopt new systems and continue building a resilient future for the sector,” he said.
“A thriving industry will enable pig farmers to continue providing nutritious, high-quality, New Zealand born and raised pork produced to high welfare standards.”
He also said pork is an affordable, versatile protein for families during the cost of living crisis. “Farmers are proud to play their part in producing food that is nutritious, accessible and trusted.”
Tribute to Paul Bucknell
Hooper paid tribute to Bucknell’s leadership.
“Paul has dedicated his time, knowledge and experience to representing New Zealand’s pig farming industry and supporting the work of NZPork,” he said. “On behalf of the Board and the NZPork team, we thank Paul for his service and wish him all the very best.”
Deputy Chair and New Director
Canterbury pig farmer Jason Palmer has been re-elected deputy chair of NZPork.
Michael Brooks has been appointed as a farmer-elected director and has started his term. Brooks was Executive Director of the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) for more than 20 years. He also worked with the Egg Producers Federation and the New Zealand Feed Manufacturers Association, and retired from PIANZ in 2025.
“I’m pleased to be representing the reputational and commercial interests of pig farmers and the wider pork industry,” Brooks said.
“My experience in the poultry industry has given me an understanding of many of the challenges we share, including animal welfare and biosecurity. I hope to bring a fresh perspective and draw on that experience to contribute positively to the pork industry.”
