23 May 2013
New president for Federated Farmers Rotorua-Taupo
Following Federated Farmers Rotorua-Taupo Annual General Meeting, Alan Wills has been elected provincial president
following the retirement of Neil Heather.
“What Neil has done over the past few years will be a hard act to follow but I shall give it my best,” says Alan Wills,
Federated Farmers Rotorua-Taupo provincial president.
“The positive contribution made by Federated Farmers and Neil is exemplified by the Lake Rotorua Primary Producers
Collective. Known as the Otorua Accord, this was signed in February between Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Te Arawa and our
councils.
“All farmers in and around Lake Rotorua have shown that working with the community generates results.
“What we have done with Lake Rotorua frankly shows the way forward; not only for this area, but as an example for other
areas. There is too much of a blame-game that sees extreme views attracting headlines over genuine achievement.
“We need to turn this around because the public deserve to know that farming is a significant part of the local economy
and that farmers have stepped onto the front foot. We are playing our part with the rest of the community in improving
local water quality.
“It is fair to say drought will put a dent in many farm budgets and will take a big effort to recoup, my farm included.
Given the effort of Federated Farmers Grain & Seed in sourcing feed, it shows you the depth of resource and the network Federated Farmers possesses.
“The focus of Federated Farmers Rotorua-Taupo will be on sensible council and governmental regulations to ensure farming
viability. Agriculture is a major employer in our area and is an under rated part of tourism too. You could say we
provide the backdrop people come for.
“We all need to work together and I look forward to Federated Farmers playing our part. Fortunately, I have a great team
behind me to achieve just that,” Mr Wills concluded.
About Alan Wills
Alan & Alison Wills, like many other farmers, have been impacted by the drought. Production is down by about ten percent with
extra costs for feed and grass seed for renewing damaged pasture. Alan is a second generation Reporoa dairy farmer who,
with his wife Alison, farm two properties close to the Reporoa village; one is 104ha. running 300 dairy cattle and the
other is 180ha. running 500 dairy cattle. Together they have four adult children and three grandchildren, all of whom
enjoy spending time on the farm. Their three eldest children are employed or have businesses in and around Rotorua while
their youngest works for Fonterra in Auckland.
ENDS