New Chairman for Meat & Wool New Zealand

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE:  30 March 2007

New Chairman for Meat & Wool New Zealand and New Zealand Meat Board

Directors of Meat & Wool New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board have elected Hawkes Bay farmer, Mike Petersen, as the Chairman of both organisations.

He was elected unopposed at statutory meetings of the two organisations this afternoon.

Mr Petersen said he was honoured to accept the jobs which would undoubtedly have their challenges.

“In the coming months we will be reviewing the strategy of Meat & Wool New Zealand and we will be looking at how we can better support farmers and the wider industry.

“Farmers gave us some frank feedback at the annual meeting on the issues they are currently facing and it’s important that the work of Meat & Wool New Zealand does add value to farmers and the wider industry.”

Mr Petersen paid tribute to the significant contribution of past chairman, Jeff Grant, to both Meat & Wool New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board.

“Jeff’s skilled leadership has benefited both organisations in their establishment years.”

Mr Petersen is the farmer-elected Eastern North Island Director. He farms two properties – a sheep, cattle and deer farm in Hawkes Bay and a 800 hectare breeding property inland from Gisborne.  Mike and his wife Rachael were the 2003 winners of the FMG Rural Excellence Award, presented annually to New Zealand farmers who excel at the business of farming, showing initiative and drive while contributing to family and community life.

For more information please contact:

Meat and Wool New Zealand Communications Advisor, Jan Keir-Smith, Phone 04 474 0848 or

Mobile  0275 915 107