Nelson region gets a Federated Farmers provincial president

Following the Federated Farmers Nelson Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 4 May, Gavin O’Donnell was elected as the new provincial president.

Mr O’Donnell was Nelson’s Meat & Fibre chairperson and a successor will be determined in the coming weeks.

Mr O’Donnell is the property manager for Fairhill Trust, a 360 hectare livestock operation. He has previously worked for the Canterbury A&P Association for eight years before that. He is working currently on his new business, Slope Solutionz, a company importing agricultural equipment from Switzerland.

“Edwin has been a fantastic president these last six years and I will be looking to continue the work he has done. He has built some great working relationships with the various associations Federated Farmers works with, such as the Tasman District Council,” Mr O’Donnell said.

Mr Newport is staying on the executive to assist with the transition and will continue to offer advice.

“I wish Gavin well and can say I have enjoyed working with so many great people. It is such a learning experience,” said Mr Newport.

All other office holders were returned.