NZ Pork appoints senior environmental advisor

Date: 14.05.2019

Specialist environmental practitioner Hannah Ritchie has been appointed to the position senior environmental advisor

A former farm biosecurity project advisor for Environment Canterbury, Hannah Ritchie has worked extensively with regional councils, rural industry bodies and central government.

Hannah Ritchie

NZ Pork general manager David Baines says the environmental advisor role is a crucial part of the work the industry-good body does for the commercial pig farming sector.

"With our industry strongly focused on the environment and producers facing an increasing complex range of compliance requirements, our ability to support farmers by ensuring they have access to the latest information and advice is key," he says.

"At the same time, it’s vital that our industry has expert representation at the table when local and central government and other agencies are considering changes that could have significant impacts on farming operations.

"We selected Hannah from a large field of expert candidates for her wide range of experience and training as well as her depth of understanding of the challenges and opportunities the farming sector faces."

Hannah, who has seven years of experience working in the field for Environment Canterbury, was recently responsible for managing the regional council’s on-farm biosecurity programme and the Chilean Needle Grass awareness programme – a national Sustainable Farming Fund programme, partnered by regional councils, MPI, Beef + Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers.

She says the opportunity to advocate on behalf of local farmers and work closely with the rural community attracted her to the role.

"Farmers are very passionate about the environment and serious about their commitment to the stewardship of the land for future generations.

"However, they often get caught up in compliance and regulation – particularly when it is created without a full appreciation of the potential consequences for the rural community. That’s where I look forward to providing a voice for their needs and using my expertise and experience to help them navigate the modern regulatory environment."

Hannah is from a rural community, residing near Oxford in North Canterbury on a sheep and beef farm with her husband and daughter. She will commence her role with NZ Pork on 14 May 2019.

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