Media Release
Sir John Anderson to lead a meat industry taskforce
_15 January 2008
Meat & Wool New Zealand has announced the establishment of a meat industry taskforce, chaired by Sir John Anderson, to look at
strategies for advancing New Zealand’s red meat industry.
Sir John is a hugely respected business leader who was recently appointed chairman of the New Zealand Venture Investment
Fund and the Capital and Coast District Health Board. He is also chairman of TVNZ, New Zealand Cricket and is a director
of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The Meat & Wool New Zealand Board has been examining ways to address declining industry profitability.
Meat & Wool New Zealand chairman, Mike Petersen, said the board was delighted Sir John had agreed to lead a taskforce of
industry and independent people. The terms of reference and membership of the taskforce were still to be decided, but it
would have both a domestic industry and market focus.
“Domestically we need to be looking at the strategic direction of the industry – its structure and supply issues plus
industry governance matters.
“Meat & Wool New Zealand has been concerned how New Zealand farmers and the wider industry can obtain greater sustainable
returns for our premium product.”
Mr Petersen said it was clear that the New Zealand sheep industry was in urgent need of an industry initiative that
would provide confidence for the future.
“Our industry is worth fighting for and this is a chance to get some new thinking going under the leadership of a well
respected business leader like Sir John. We must develop a plan that sheep and beef farmers and the wider industry can
have confidence in.”
It is intended the taskforce will have its first meeting in February.
ENDS