Sir John Anderson to lead meat industry taskforce

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

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