Nuffield brains gather in Gisborne

About 100 Nuffield farming Scholars will focus their attention on Gisborne agribusinesses at New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust Conference in a three day event being held 13-16 May 2010.

The theme, He Whenua, He Tangata – The Land, The People, is supported by Farmers’ Mutual Group (FMG) and will show-case innovative Gisborne family-owned enterprises. It is the first time Gisborne has been chosen as Host for the biennial Nuffield Conference, in the 60 years of Nuffield history.

The Nuffield Farming Scholarship is New Zealand’s most valuable and prestigious agricultural award, involving extensive travel in Europe, Asia, North and South America. It will also be the first time that presentations have been made on a marae as historic as the Rukupo Meeting House at Manutuke Marae.

First to present his 2009 scholarship findings, along with six other scholars who have studied extensively around the globe, will be local farmer Gregg Pardoe, currently Operations Manager of Arai Matawai. Gregg Pardoe admits his study topic of “indigenous people’s adaption to modern farming practices” is a most demanding challenge. He has brought home concepts and ideas that will benefit Maori farming.

New Zealand Trust Chairman, Stuart Wright, says “the Gisborne itinerary is a stimulating blend of agricultural innovation, food industry practice and local culture - an insight into Tairawhiti. We acknowledge that the support of FMG has made this dynamic gathering of leaders possible”.

Also attending will be a contingent from Australia, including the International Nuffield Chairman, Peter Nixon and Australian Chairman, David Brownhill. Many scholars will also experience the East Coast in a two day post-conference tour ending in Whakatane.

Registration kicks off with the FMG ‘happy hour’ and dinner at the historic Poverty Bay club, once the mecca of East Coast farmers. Friday tours will include the winner of Ahu Whenua Trophy, Maori Farmer of 2009, Whangara Farms, Turihaua and the Leaderbrand operation.

“We are also privileged to be invited to look over conservation heritage projects at Nicks Head Station, as well as better understanding the province’s progress,” Mr Wright concluded.