New president for Federated Farmers Manawatu-Rangitikei

4 June 2014

New president for Federated Farmers Manawatu-Rangitikei

Federated Farmers would like to welcome our new Manawatu-Rangitikei provincial president, James Stewart, who is replacing Andrew Hoggard, following their Annual General Meeting.

“James joined the Federation three years ago as Manawatu-Rangitikei’s dairy Chair, and we are thrilled to have him on as provincial president,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers National President.

“We are in a year of change within the Federation, with leadership changes throughout the organisation both nationally and provincially, James is an incredibly passionate advocate for the farming community and I know he will do a fantastic job,” said Mr Wills.

“I would like to thank outgoing provincial president, Andrew Hoggard, for his service to the province and Federated Farmers; he has been an integral part of the Federation and will be looking to do more so if his election to the board, as Dairy Chair, is successful.

Before Mr Stewart joined the Federation his involvement in agri advocacy was as a Fonterra Networker.

“I am a fifth generation farmer and have farmed on our family farm for the past 20 years,” says James Stewart, Federated Farmers Manawatu-Rangitikei provincial president.

“Originally a sheep farm, I converted part of it to dairy, following a brief stint in the tourism industry, as a commercial Jet Boat driver.

“Coming into this role, I want to acknowledge the incredible job Andrew Hoggard has done for the province, and thank him for the his tireless service to the community.

“For me, I am keen to put the rural voice out there and tell the good stories of our industry. We have a positive impact on New Zealand’s economy and its environment, which is often left untold. As stewards of the land there is a lot of positive work that goes unseen and we need to cherish and celebrate it.

“Now that the One Plan is at a manageable level, it is about maintaining communication and keeping farmers up to date with the on going bureaucracy that they face. My job, as provincial president, is to help them do what they do best - farm the land.

“I also want to help link the two parts of the community, both urban and rural. There are environmental meetings that I would very much like to be a part of, and host some of these on farm so we can provide a better understanding of what is going on in our backyard.

“As the population increases we are losing touch with the urban environment and the younger generation. It’s hugely important to keep them educated about where their food comes from, and community engagement is where it starts.

“I would like to think I am pretty open and easy to engage with, and I’m keen to meet with anyone who wants to discuss the issues they have and form an educated opinion,” concluded Mr Stewart.

ENDS

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