New industry body aims to unite and rebuild strong wool industry
A new levying body, currently with the working title of NZWool, has been proposed to secure the future of New Zealand's strong wool sector.
Minister for Rural Communities Damien O’Connor is congratulating the rural New Zealanders recognised for their services to the country in this year’s Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours list.
The recipients have been honoured for services to agriculture, science, journalism, community, and women.
“I’m so pleased to see the recipients recognised for their contribution to rural communities, and Aotearoa New Zealand more widely,” O’Connor says.
Former Fonterra chairman John Monaghan has been appointed as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
“John Monaghan… has been influential in the dairy industry through his work with Fonterra since its formation in 2001, supporting the company to become one of New Zealand’s top performing international companies,” O’Connor says.
Lincoln University’s Professor John Hampton, who researches different approaches to the impact of climate change on seed production and quality, was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Also, an honouree is Reverend Louise Deans who has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
“After revealing her own sexual abuse by a high-ranking priest, Reverend Louise Deans encouraged other women to come forward, and was instrumental in improving protocols for complaints of misconduct in the Anglican Church,” says O’Connor.
Deans was also a committee member of the Rural Women’s Stepping Out programme, and has advocated for farming women to pursue their careers.
“Bryan Hocken, appointed as a MNZM, has been a committed advocate for New Zealand farmers for more than 50 years.”
Hocken was President of Taranaki Federated Farmers from 2006 to 2008 and has been on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Western Farmer Council since 2011.
“This year the service of New Zealanders is being recognised alongside the 70 years of service by the Queen, the Platinum Jubilee, for which the honours list was renamed.
“To all those honoured today, I thank you for your work and contribution to New Zealand’s rural communities,” O’Connor says.
List of Honours
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

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