New Zealand Young Farmers Patron
New Zealand Young Farmers is pleased to announce that former Member of Parliament Eric Roy is its new patron.
From Southland, Eric Roy is a sheep, beef, cropping and forestry farmer with a long history of community involvement.
His parliamentary roles included Chair of the Primary Production Select Committee, Junior Whip and Assistant Speaker of
the House.
“New Zealand Young Farmers was a valuable part of my education, not just learning agricultural skills but leadership
development, public speaking and debating. NZYF is a key training ground for industry leaders which is crucial to
primary industry,” says Eric Roy.
“Eric has a passion for New Zealand Young Farmers and is well known in farming and political circles. He is keen to
promote Young Farmers and his leadership training skills are a definite benefit,” says Hilary Phillips, President of New
Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF).
Eric Roy was a member of the Gore High School Young Farmers, then Waitane club, where he was made a life member. A
runner-up in the Young Farmer of the Year Contest in 1975, he was also National President of Young Farmers from 1978 -
1979. A member of World Committee of Young Farmers from 1979 -1986, Eric Roy was the Committee Chair from 1984 – 1985.
He was employed as a consultant by the United Nations to teach leadership training in the Pacific.
New Zealand Young Farmers is a rural group for people aged 15-31. Membership of NZYF offers young people pathways to
friendship, achievement and knowledge. Run by young people for young people, NZYF welcomes members from all walks of
life. For more information on New Zealand Young Farmers, call 0800 FARMING. New Zealand Young Farmers is an industry
group of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).