High calibre of leaders

High calibre of leaders

Federated Farmers Manawatu-Rangitikei is thrilled to announce its newest executive members who are joining an already high calibre provincial executive.

“We are delighted to introduce our new Dairy Chair Mat Hocken and Richard Morrison who is our new Meat & Fibre Chair,” says James Stewart, Federated Farmers provincial president for Manawatu-Rangitikei.

“Mat comes from an impressive background, born and bred in Colyton where he now sharemilks 1,000 cows on the Hocken family farm. The family have farmed there for 120 years and he continues that heritage with a passion for the dairy industry.

“More impressive is Mat’s background in international government and policy. He holds both a law and commerce degree from Canterbury University and completed a Master of Arts in politics at Cambridge University. He worked in Brussels for five years for a consultancy specialising in EU policy, before working in the Australian Federal Government in trade finance for four years. There he was Senior Advisor for government and industry relations.

“With Mat joining our executive, it is a testament to the calibre of people Federated Farmers attracts. He’s also handy at rugby, representing NZ U21, Barbarians and Belgium over his career. I am confident Mat will take the position and Federated Farmers leadership role to new heights.

“Not to be outdone our new Meat & Fibre Chair, Richard Morrison, is Director and Manager of his own sheep and beef, breeding and finishing farm north of Marton.

“His family have been farming at the present location for a staggering 150 years. Heritage at its best and the farm now comprises 16,000 stock units on 1,450 effective hectares.

“Richard holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from Massey University and has been a Woolworths Agricultural Scholar. He sits on the West North Island Beef+Lamb Farmer Council, and the Five Nations Beef Alliance Young Leaders and Trade committee.

“With Mat and Richard on board we’ve beefed up our trade policy expertise. More so with the future of the red meat sector in New Zealand because trade access is fundamental to greater returns from the sector. I know Richard will represent our Meat & Fibre members with vigour.

“I am delighted at the calibre of our new executive and existing executive members. The region’s farmers are fortunate to have such a team representing their interests and we are going to have a great three years working for the region and nationally,” concluded Mr Stewart.

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