Chairman takes top positions

- Published: 18 April, 2007

The directors of Meat & Wool New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board have elected a farmer from Hawkes Bay, Mike Petersen, as the chairman of

both organisations.

The directors of Meat & Wool New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board have elected a farmer from Hawkes Bay, Mike Petersen, as the chairman of both organisations.

Petersen said he was honoured to accept the jobs, which would undoubtedly have their challenges.

"In the coming months, we will be reviewing the strategy of Meat & Wool New Zealand and we will be looking at how we can better support farmers and the wider industry," he said.

"Farmers gave us some frank feedback at the annual meeting on the issues they are currently facing and it's important that the work of Meat & Wool New Zealand does add value to farmers and the wider industry."

Petersen also paid tribute to the significant contribution of past chairman, Jeff Grant, to both Meat & Wool New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board.

"Jeff's skilled leadership has benefited both organisations in their establishment years," he said.

Petersen is the farmer-elected Eastern North Island director.

He farms two properties - a sheep, cattle and deer farm in Hawkes Bay and an 800-hectare breeding property inland from Gisborne.