1999 Federated Farmers National Council/Conference

MEDIA ADVISORY
Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 July 1999

The World Trade Organisation - What does it mean for farmers?

The 1999 Federated Farmers National Council/Conference will be held at the Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July, 1999.

The theme of the Council/Conference is 'The World Trade Organisation - What does it mean for farmers?'

The Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon Jenny Shipley will be the National Council/Conference's Keynote Speaker. Her address is on the morning of Sunday, 25 July.

A highlight of the weekend will be the election of a new National President to replace Malcolm Bailey, who is stepping down after three years. Three candidates have put their names forward for this prestigious position: the current Vice Presidents, Tom Lambie and Alistair Polson; and Northland President Ian Walker. A Vice President and two other National Board members will also be elected.

The Council/Conference theme will be addressed on the afternoon of 25 July. Speakers include Ian Donges, President of Australian National Farmers Federation; Nigel Mitchell, Global Manager, International Policy, NZ Dairy Board; and Professor Ralph Littlemore, AGMARDT Professor of International Trade Policy, Lincoln University. The speakers shall take part in a panel discussion.

Sponsors who will address the Council/Conference throughout the two days are: Mr John Wills, Chairman, Farmers' Mutual Group. Mr Charlie Graham, General Manager, Rural Banking, - National Bank of NZ Ltd. Mr Dale Stevens, General Manager, Rural Post, New Zealand Post Ltd. Mr Jim Pringle, Chairman, Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-op Ltd. Mr Russell Plume, Executive Director, Petroleum Exploration Association of NZ.

Additional sponsors are Signature Travel and Westgate Port Taranaki.

If members of the media wish to attend the Council/Conference, they are asked to contact Mrs Gloria Hetherington on 04-473-7269 to register. The full Council/Conference agenda will then be sent. There is a charge of $60 to attend the Saturday night dinner.

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