Macauley to head NZIPIM

Stephen Macauley, Chief executive, NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM)The former head of AGMARDT, Stephen Macauley, has been appointed by the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM)  to the newly created role of chief executive.

NZIPIM is a membership based association for rural professionals who provide professional services for the primary sector.

In announcing the appointment, NZIPIM president, Wayne Allan, said: “We are delighted that Stephen will be leading the organisation at a time when industry sectors and government agencies are looking to NZIPIM to help the farming community work through a number of important issues. These include increased regulation of land use with respect to water quality and environmental performance, as well as the continued development and profitability of farming systems.

“Stephen’s past experience as general manager of the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), and his previous role as General Manager of the Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation and Retail Meat New Zealand, has him well placed to meet these challenges.

“There will be an increased demand for more qualified rural professionals and better assurance to farming communities of high standards for advice and related services.”

Macaulay says he is excited about joining NZIPIM and is looking forward to “the opportunities to develop and build the capability of the organisation, and working with NZIPIM members and the wider rural sector.”

Battle of the butchers begins

Abigail Smith

Young New Zealand butchers across the country have begun sharpening their knives in anticipation of the 2012 Alto Young Butcher and Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation (RMITO) Butcher Apprentice of the year competition.

Current RMITO Butcher Apprentice of the Year, Abigail Smith, has her sights set on the Young Butcher title after her success in the apprentice category last year.

“Last year’s win set the standard for me and only makes me eager to push myself to the limit this year and take home the big title,” says Abigail.

Entries are now open to the competition, which kicks off with a series of regional heats across New Zealand over the month of July.

The winners of each regional will go on to compete in the Grand Final, to be held on 24 August at the Viaduct Event Centre in Auckland.

During the Grand Final, the young butchers will be put through a practical exam, interview, cutting test and mystery on-stage element to determine who will walk away with the prestigious title and the prize of a study tour to Europe.

The RMITO Butcher Apprentice of the Year will win a study tour to Australia.

The competition is proudly supported by Alto, RMITO, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc., Dunninghams, Hellers, Kerry Ingredients, NZ Pork, Wilson Hellaby, Cabernet Foods, Natural Farm and Tegel Foods.