Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has appointed Hazel Cairns-Willemsen as an Associate Director to its Board, commencing 4 November 2024.
Hazel brings over 10 years of governance experience, primarily in Māori agribusiness. Raised on a sheep and beef farm on the western bays of Lake Taupo, she has a deep connection to farming, which has shaped her career in agriculture.
As a trustee of Hurakia Trust and Te Tarata Trust, she has been instrumental in driving farm profitability, reducing debt, and leading environmental initiatives that support sustainable growth. Her governance work has given her a strong understanding of business strategy, financial management, and environmental stewardship- critical areas for the success of New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.
Hazel, a recent graduate of the Fonterra Governance and Development Programme, is eager to contribute to B+LNZ’s work and broaden her governance experience.
“I am looking forward to expanding my governance skills through the Associate Director role and contributing my perspective to B+LNZ. This opportunity allows me to further develop my skills while supporting the sector’s resilience and sustainable growth,” says Hazel.
The one-year Associate Director role was established to give aspiring leaders in the agricultural sector the opportunity to observe and participate in governance at the national level. Past appointees to this role have gone on to be full Directors on the B+LNZ Board and other agricultural organisations.
B+LNZ Chair Kate Acland welcomes Hazel’s appointment and notes the value she will bring to the Board. “We’re pleased to have Hazel join our Board as an Associate Director. Her experience in Māori agribusiness, alongside her hands-on approach to farm management, will bring a fresh perspective to our work.”
Hazel joins a Board of six farmer-elected directors, two meat industry-appointed directors, and one independent director, all working together to support and strengthen New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.
ENDS
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