Hawke's Bay gets a new provincial president

Following the Federated Farmers Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 4 May Bruce Wills was elected as the new provincial president.

Mr Wills is currently the Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre national chairperson and a National Board member. He will be standing down from his role as Meat & Fibre Chairman at the Federated Farmers AGM in June.

Mr Wills is in a family farm partnership with his brother Scott. They run 8,500 stock units on 800 hectares of hill country, 45km north of Napier. They also have a small on-farm tourist business.

“The recent welcome lift in returns for meat and wool are crucial to Hawke’s Bay’s prosperity. My prime focus is to do whatever I can to ensure this better profitability for our members is here for the long term.

“Kevin Mitchell has been a hugely committed president and stands down to spend more time on other interests. I wish him well,” said Mr Wills.

Mr Mitchell remains on the Hawke’s Bay provincial executive.

Will Foley becomes the vice president. He is already the region’s Meat & Fibre chairperson.

All other office holders were returned.