New Federated Farmers President

24 July 1999
PR76/99

NEW FEDERATED FARMERS PRESIDENT

The new President of Federated Farmers is Alistair Polson, from Wanganui. Mr Polson was elected this afternoon at the 1999 National Council/Conference in New Plymouth.

Mr Polson has been Federated Farmers Vice President for the past four years. Previously, he had been Wanganui Provincial President for three years, and the province's Meat and Wool Section chair before that. He is currently the federation's spokesperson on ACC; health and safety; animal welfare; and education.

He is a agriculture science graduate from Massey University, a member of the New Zealand Veterinary Council, and the Landcare Trust.

Mr Polson farms a 2,100 hectare Wanganui sheep and beef property in partnership with his brother. He continues a family association with Federated Farmers. His grandfather Sir William Polson was a previous President.

In his speech, Mr Polson acknowledged the need for a strong provincial base, greater communication with members, and signalled the importance of a larger land user group being formed to represent the primary sector.

ENDS

A copy of Mr Polson's biography is attached.

Biographical details President Alistair Roy Polson

Date of birth: 31 December 1955

Education: B.Ag.Sc (Massey)

Scholarship awards:

1993 Nuffield Scholar

1989 Grasslands Memorial Trust Award for sustained improvement of pastures and sheep breeds in Wanganui hill country.

Farming: Partner in 2091 hectare Wanganui property, sheep and beef breeding and finishing, with 25,000 stock units

Federated Farmers:

1999 President

1996 - 1999 Vice-President

1992 - 95 Provincial President, Wanganui Province

1989 - 1991 Meat and Wool Chairman, Wanganui Province

Commerce: Director Waitotara Meat Co Ltd Director Waitotara Meat Holding Co Ltd Government appointee to NZ Veterinary Council

Personal: Alistair is married to Joanne. They have three children. He enjoys trout fishing, waterskiing and small boat sailing.

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