MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 8 December 2004
New Genetics Manager appointed
Meat & Wool New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Wakelin to the position of Genetics Manager.
Richard brings a wealth of Agri-business management to the position. His most recent role was General Manager of Wool
and Livestock for Wrightson.
Under Mr Wakelin’s direction, Meat & Wool New Zealand’s beef genetics and Sheep Improvement Limited (SIL) will be combined into a single operation.
This change is designed to ensure that the value of genetic improvement and performance recording is appreciated by both
breeders and commercial farmers, says Business Services General Manager James Smallwood.
Richard Wakelin says he has a real passion for the agricultural sector. “I’ve been fortunate to spend my career to date
working in the sector. In previous roles I have witnessed first-hand the impact of genetics on animal and business
performance and I am looking forward to the challenge of encouraging a greater understanding of the role genetic
improvement can bring to both the sheep and cattle farmers.”
Richard Wakelin will be based at the office of Meat & Wool New Zealand’s Economic Service in Napier.
ENDS