MEDIA RELEASE
12 August 2013
Drought “response hero” gets life membership
A long-standing Federated Farmers member has been granted life membership of Federated Farmers. Former Hawke’s Bay
provincial president, Kevin Mitchell, was bestowed the honour after more than 30 years of outstanding service to the
Federation.
“It is the least our organisation can do,” said Will Foley the current Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay provincial
president.
”Kevin was my first introduction to Federated Farmers and has been an inspiration. He has always strived to uphold the
Federation’s drive to achieve profitable and sustainable farming.
“Kevin has worked tirelessly, giving up much of his time for the cause of his provincial members ensuring their voice is
heard at a local level.
“Luckily for myself as current president, I still have the services of Kevin on my executive and so we all as members
continue to benefit from his involvement.
“Kevin showed great diligence and tenacity in assisting with the recent drought, on the Hawke’s Bay Drought Committee.
“Hawke’s Bay was hit just as hard as anywhere else and all Hawke’s Bay farmers were offered the opportunity to purchase
feed with reduced shipping and handling costs. Kevin was involved alongside Rural Support Trust-East Coast in making
that happen, Mr Foley said.
Federated Farmers’ National President, Bruce Wills, a former Hawke’s Bay provincial president, also spoke warmly of Mr
Mitchell.
“Kevin is a great guy and has done so much for farmers in the Hawke’s Bay region. This is a special award for a very
special person,” he added.
ENDS