The New Zealand Future Food and Fibre Summit
E Tipu
21 - 22 | May | 2026
Field Trips on the 20th
Ōtautahi - Christchurch
#TrendingIntoTheFuture
TRENDING
INTO
THE
FUTURE
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TRENDING INTO THE FUTURE •
Want to book for a group or pay via invoice for five or more tickets?
Please click the button below, where you will be directed to fill out a form and will be further contacted.
E Tipu 2026 Location & Venue
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre | Ōtautahi - Christchurch | Canterbury
Come and join us in this exciting journey toward a sustainable and resilient future for food and fibre production in New Zealand and beyond.
E Tipu 2026 is kicking off with a twist!
Next year, we’re starting the action hot on the heels of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s annual Out The Gate 2026 event on 21 May. That means two powerhouse gatherings, back-to-back - celebrating food and fibre, and the future of food and farming.
It’s the perfect match for E Tipu, setting the stage for big conversations, bold ideas, and a community ready to shape what’s next.
E Tipu The New Zealand Future Food and Fibre Summit 2026 will be an opportunity to join a vibrant, immersive experience to help answer some of the most critical, sometimes uncomfortable questions about how we can grow together as a sector for the future.
E Tipu 2026 uses a bold new format to inspire and empower its delegates.
This is a summit not just about sharing ideas; it’s about igniting innovation and fostering a collaborative spirit that can drive the industry forward.
E Tipu will encourage connection, spark conversation, and convert critical thinking into action.
CONNECT
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CONVERSE
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CONVERT
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CONNECT • CONVERSE • CONVERT •
#Tipu Ake
Ngātahi Tātou
Connect — Converse — Convert
Experience three days of mind-blowing talks, expert panels, special Q&As and actionable next steps from world leaders in food and fibre.
#Trending Into The Future
CHECK OUT OUR TICKET OPTIONS BELOW
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CHECK OUT OUR TICKET OPTIONS BELOW •
E Tipu 2026 ticket offerings
Explore our limited opportunities to join us at E Tipu 2026, with special rates for start-ups, farmers and growers, Beef + Lamb New Zealand delegates, plus early-bird discounts.
More to come!
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Farmer
Special rate on offer for our farmers and growers to attend E Tipu 2026. - limited availability!
Price: $645.00 (excl GST) Price includes a 3.0% credit card processing fee
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Start-Up
Special rate on offer for our start-up delegates to attend E Tipu 2026. - limited availability!
Price: $618.00 (excl GST) Price includes a 3.0% credit card processing fee
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One Day
Are you wanting to attend E Tipu but can only make one day? Then this is the perfect option for you.
Price: $645.00 (excl GST) Price includes a 3.0% credit card processing fee
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Beef + Lamb NZ Delegate
Special rate on offer for delegates who have attended the 2026 Beef&Lamb Out The Gate event to attend E Tipu 2026.
Price: $515.00 (excl GST) Price includes a 3.0% credit card processing fee
Want to book for a group or pay via invoice for five or more tickets?
Please click the button below, where you will be directed to fill out a form and will be further contacted.
E Tipu 2026 Speakers
Karen Walker
Designer, storyteller, entrepreneur, businessperson, marketer, brand, icon
Visionary design and what it takes to stay ahead of the trends shaping our future.
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We are kicking E Tipu 2026 speaker announcements with a bang!
Karen Walker is a designer, entrepreneur, businessperson, storyteller, marketer, brand, and icon.
For more than 30 years she's nurtured and built her brand and business, which are known for their clever design, adventurous collaborations, imaginative storytelling, and constantly redefining approach to retail.
Globally, Karen's influence has seen her consistently ranked in The Business of Fashion's powerhouse BoF 500, reflecting her position as on the world stage.
In 2026, we’re celebrating the storytellers who’ve taken Aotearoa New Zealand to the world - turning our brands into something truly unforgettable.
Karen Walker has done just that. Her ability to craft and share our story globally offers powerful lessons for how we can do the same across the food and fibre industries.
Karen will join us in Session Three of E Tipu 2026, diving into visionary design and what it takes to stay ahead of the trends shaping our future.
Sophie Poelman
Textile designer, material innovator, and founder of Lof
What it will take to build a radical wool design economy.
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Sophie Poelman is a textile designer, material innovator, and founder of Lof — an award-winning regenerative design studio on Waiheke Island reimagining what New Zealand strong wool can become. As a self-proclaimed wool outsider, Sophie works at the intersection of design, agriculture, and systems innovation, using applied R&D and circular thinking to transform an undervalued fibre into high-value, future-focused products that benefit both the planet and the wool value chain.
She began her career in global performance apparel, designing technical systems for O’Neill in the Netherlands, Salewa in Northern Italy, and New Zealand brands including Macpac, Mons Royale, and Swazi. This blend of functional textile expertise, brand-building, and experience navigating complex international supply chains now shapes her design-for-impact philosophy: materials must perform beautifully, connect emotionally, and deliver positive social and environmental outcomes.
Backed by a multi-year R&D programme co-funded by MPI’s Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund and AGMARDT, Sophie rebuilt a fully traceable and fair Aotearoa supply ecosystem from fragmented parts — from regenerative growers at Palliser Ridge Farm to local manufacturers across the North Island. Lof’s first product — an innovative acoustic-dampening wool lighting system called the Wool Hoop — demonstrates how strong wool’s intrinsic performance properties, combined with a design-led approach, can unlock entirely new product categories and premium market segments.
Sophie’s keynote explores what it will take to build a radical wool design economy — one where strong wool moves beyond commodity pricing and into high-value, future-focused applications. Using her experience building Lof as a live test case, she shows how innovation accelerates when unlikely collaborators come together: growers, textile designers, industrial designers, architects, and local manufacturers.
She will demonstrate how cross-disciplinary design, circular thinking, a focus on provenance, and brand-led value creation can restore strong wool’s true worth.
The talk offers a practical and transformational vision for a more resilient, design-led fibre economy for Aotearoa — one that demands courage, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to imagine wool differently.
Laura Morrison
Farm Owner -The Gullies, Federated Farmers National Meat and Wool Executive Member, & Vice Chair, Manawatu-Rangitīkei
Belonging, Boldness, and Breakthroughs: Women Redefining Food and Fibre.
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Laura is a sheep and beef farmer in the Rangitīkei, running Herefords and Wiltshires as well as a composite flock focusing on shedding genetics and meat quality. The Gullies also has a bnb, The Cottage and an artist residency, now in its 4th year. The future of food and fibre production in Aotearoa is a passionate topic for Laura, who sees the balance of opportunity and realisation out of kilter. “Our value chain in New Zealand is lacking the efficiency and prosperity it deserves: my focus is on continually facilitating conversations and seeing our environment, people and economy eat well, be clothed well, and live well”.
Laura will be leading the panel about Belonging, Boldness, and Breakthroughs: Women Redefining Food and Fibre.
This panel will explore how women are leading the way today and shaping the future of the sector. It will also examine how we can engage more women across all roles - from farm to plate and into the boardroom.
Jacinta FitzGerald
CEO Mindful Fashion New Zealand
From talk to action: when common ground cultivates change
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Jacinta FitzGerald is the Chief Executive of Mindful Fashion New Zealand. With more than 25 years’ experience across design, sustainability and circular innovation, she brings together industry, government and research to shape a more resilient, competitive and future-focused clothing and textile sector in Aotearoa.
Seb Chapman
Founder Seedling Investments
Farmers Powering Next-Generation Growth
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Primary Industry Business Management Diploma, Massey University Bachelors Comp Sci - Economics, Dev Academy - Diploma Web Development
Seb was a dairy farmer, and loved every bit of it, but never saw a path to farm ownership. This led to him re-training as an Economist and Engineer to figure out how to build a business to solve this problem. Economics, to understand systems at scale and Engineering to build the tools to move those systems. Seb is also the winner of Techstars Startup Weekend overall and design winner. Founded Fruitminder before handing over to the kiwifruit industry, Sprout AgTech Alumni 24, Board Member of Future Farmers Aotearoa.
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Tim Deane is a New Zealand executive and director with over 30 years of leadership across the food, fibre, and related sectors. His career spans grower relationships, procurement, operations, supply chain, global distribution, sales and marketing, and international market development.
He is currently an Independent Director of Rabobank New Zealand and the owner and Managing Director of Norsewear, the woollen apparel manufacturer he acquired in 2023.
Tim’s previous roles include Executive General Manager of Business Banking at ASB Bank, Managing Director of Goodman Fielder New Zealand, and senior leadership positions at Fonterra, including Managing Director of Fonterra Brands NZ and Director of Global Sales. He is a former Chair of the Food and Grocery Council and a former Board member of the NZ Marketing Association.
He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) from Lincoln University.
Neal Wallace
Farmers Weekly senior reporter
Evolving preferences: the modern consumer and the future of food.
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Drum roll please…
Neal Wallace has been a reporter for both daily and specialist agricultural newspapers for 42 years, starting his career as a cadet at the Ensign Newspaper in Gore. For the last nine years he has worked for AgriHQ, publishers of the Farmers Weekly, writing for both the weekly newspaper and the website.
For more than half his career, Neal has covered agricultural issues, covering topics as diverse as farm systems and politics to markets and international trade.
A career highlight was in 2004 when he spent a semester at Oxford University as a David Low fellow, studying the impact of the Foot and Mouth outbreak on UK agriculture and what that means to NZ sheep meat exports.
For the last two years Neal has embarked on Meeting the Markets tour which has taken him to the USA, UK, Europe and China where he met some of our largest dairy, meat, wool, agritech and Kiwifruit customers to assess market trends and to learn of their requirements of our production systems
Neal lives in Dunedin with his wife Liz and they have two children.
Richard Rennie
Contributing journalist to NZ Farmers Weekly
Evolving preferences: the modern consumer and the future of food.
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Richard Rennie has been contributing to NZ Farmers Weekly for the past 20 years, originally based in Waikato, and today in Bay of Plenty.
Over this time he has covered all aspects of New Zealand’s primary sector at a governmental, industry and farm level.
He has recently broadened his skills to be confident across multiple media platforms including producing video articles and compiling the NZ Farmers Weekly podcast when managing editor Bryan Gibson is away.
He has twice been awarded the coveted Rongo Award for agri-journalism excellence, along with assorted industry subject awards.
In 2024 he was part of the Farmers Weekly team awarded the Rongo Award for the publication’s coverage of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay regions.
More recently along with Neal Wallace he has spent time offshore as part of Farmers Weekly Meeting the Markets project, covering China and South-east Asia, helping readers and listeners in New Zealand better understand these important markets.
Richard is respected for his fact-based, timely and informative coverage of rural issues and events that matter to farmers and industry, at a time when balanced, objective coverage has never been more important.
Ben McLauchlan
Owner Balvonie New Zealand, Nuffield Scholar, Owner Rothay Vineyards
Trendsetters, Not Trend Takers: Nuffield on the Next Wave
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Ben grew up on a farm in Marlborough, New Zealand, witnessing first-hand the growth and development of the wine industry. This led to a strong interest in the growing and making of wine which was pursued while at Canterbury and Lincoln Universities, initially gaining a Management Science Degree and subsequently a Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. His passion for business and wine led to a career in sales and marketing, working with major alcohol companies both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
In 2013, Ben and his wife Helen moved back to Blenheim with Ben working as a Commercial Partner for BNZ. Concurrently, Ben and Helen bought a vineyard in the Raupara subregion – a stone’s throw from Ben’s uncle and his long established Balvonie Farm. In 2017 they purchased the family business and now farm 112 hectares of established vineyard and 30 hectares on which they partner with First Light Farms, grazing grass fed Wagyu cattle.
In 2021 Ben was successful in gaining a prestigious Nuffield Scholarship to study primary industries around the world and bring this knowledge back to New Zealand. Ben’s focus for his study was ‘The Mindset of Change’. Unsurprisingly, this was the same year Balvonie planted its first glera vines.
Craig Fenton
CEO Fenton Innovation, of business leader, entrepreneur, and investor
From Tools to Teammates: Agentic AI in Action
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Craig Fenton will coming into E Tipu 2026 to deliver a fantastic and very topical keynote on AI. He brings a wealth of knowledge that’s sure to add real value for you and your team.
Craig Fenton is a business leader, entrepreneur, and investor with a 20-year career at the forefront of technology, media, and innovation. He is the Founder & CEO of Fenton Innovation (Fi), a company specializing in AI automation solutions for enterprise, including AI suites for Private Capital, Travel & Tourism, Marine and an entire Agentic Executive Team which is industry agnostic.
Prior to founding Fenton Innovation, Craig was the COO of Google UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, Managing Director of Accenture’s TMT division across EMEA and LATAM, and more recently, CEO of New Zealand Rugby Commercial, leading the business of the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and other national teams.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Craig is an author, angel investor, and founder of a record label dedicated to giving creatives from underprivileged backgrounds a platform in music. In 2023, he was honored as UK New Zealander of the Year. He now splits his time between New Zealand and Europe, helping businesses harness AI for growth and efficiency.
Richard Green
Agribusiness Investor and director
Being the Best for 2050 and beyond: Commodities, Premium, and the Promise of Value-Add
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Richard started out his career as an agricultural consultant in New Zealand working with a range of farmers helping them grow their profitability. He then spent a decade in the seed industry as a both an owner and manager of a start-up pasture seed company called Agricom for 7 years and then after the sale as the GM International of PGW Seeds for a further 4 years
Richard is now a shareholder and executive chairman across several businesses including an integrated honey business, carbon forestry, enterprise software business and a dairy farming business. He also sits on several other boards including farming boards, a branded lamb supply and marketing business (Lumina Lamb) and a Cancer Charity.
Richard’s passion is investing in and building wealth creating business and helping leaders grow and develop through all aspects of business. He is married to Vicki with three daughters. Outside working he spends as much time as possible tramping and climbing mountains.
Anna Benny
Technical Manager (IXOM), dairy farmer and catchment group lead
Farmers Powering Next-Generation Growth
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Anna is a food scientist married to a dairy farmer. Having spent the last twelve years working in the food industry around the world, she is fascinated by how food is produced and consumed.
Living on a dairy farm with an off-farm career as a Technical Manager in food manufacturing gives her a unique end to end perspective of New Zealand's food production sector. Anna completed the Kellogg Rural Leadership Scheme, investigating the risk alternative protein could pose to New Zealand's dairy industry and continues to advocate in this space. She is part of the governance team for Clutha Regional Economic Development Agency and Otago South River Care.
Dr Angeline Achariya
CEO, Innovation GameChangers
Creating Value Before Your Competitors Finish Breakfast.
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Drum roll please…
Dr Angeline Achariya is an internationally recognised leader and 2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Trailblazer, advancing Australia's agricultural innovation and sustainable food systems across global markets. With over 20 years driving transformative change in multinationals including Mars, Fonterra, Mondelez, Yum! Brands, and J R Simplot, she has delivered exceptional service to industry, research, and government sectors.
Her distinguished contribution to Australia includes serving on Industry Innovation and Science Australia Board, chairing G100 Mission Million Asia Pacific Food Systems Innovation & Resilience, and co-founding Monash Food Innovation Centre, a world-first industry collaborative hub that continues connecting research to commercial impact. Through 1200+ commercialised innovations, she has strengthened Australia's agrifood competitiveness across Asia-Pacific markets.
Angeline's leadership and governance excellence spans Industry Innovation Science Australia Board, Wine Australia Board, Australia's Economic Accelerator, Victoria's Multicultural Business Ministerial Council, Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology and Australia China Business Council's Victorian Agribusiness Forum. Her pioneering work in research translation and innovation commercialisation has enhanced Australia's reputation as a trusted agrifood technology partner, particularly advancing export pathways into Asian markets.
Recognised as a Victorian Honour Roll Trailblazer for breaking new ground in traditionally male-dominated agrifood sectors, she exemplifies how inclusive leaders can lead transformative change across complex global supply chains while championing gender diversity in STEM through mentoring and advocacy. Her cross-cultural expertise from agricultural foundations to executive roles across Japan, China, Thailand, New Zealand and USA exemplifies distinguished service in building international relationships that benefit Australia.
A Fellow of Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology and recognised as a superstar of STEM. Angeline brings visionary leadership to creating sustainable, profitable food systems that serve both people and planet advancing Australia's economic prosperity while addressing global challenges.
Jordain Beattie
Client Director NZAB
Belonging, Boldness, and Breakthroughs: Women Redefining Food and Fibre
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Jordain Beattie is a Client Director with NZAB, working with farming businesses to build financial confidence and create clear strategic direction. She and her husband operate a dairy farm in Canterbury, giving her a grounded understanding of the pressures and opportunities faced by rural businesses today. Jordain has also served as the Chief Financial Officer for a large family-owned dairy farming business, where she developed deep experience in governance, long term planning, and the connection between on farm decisions and financial outcomes.
Her strength lies in helping clients link strategy to finance in a way that is practical, transparent, and easy to act on.
This panel will explore how women are leading the way today and shaping the future of the sector. It will also examine how we can engage more women across all roles - from farm to plate and into the boardroom.
Nicola O’Rourke
Founder and Managing Partner of Founders Advisory, Director
The age of intentional eating
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Nicola has 22 years experience in the Food & Beverage industry across a range of disciplines, including Executive roles in Marketing, Sales, New Product Development and Operations. Throughout her career, she has launched over 200 products into global markets including Australasia, USA and China. Nicola is a vocal advocate for the future of the Food & Fiber sector and understanding the role New Zealand plays in carving out a niche in global markets. She is a Beachhead advisor for NZTE and holds Governance and Advisory roles across multiple branded export businesses in the F&B sector.
Phillip Weir
Strategist and Agricultural Thinker, Farmer
From talk to action: when common ground cultivates change
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Phillip Weir is a strategist and agricultural thinker from Te Pahu whose work sits at the intersection of research, sector strategy, and practical farming. He brings a grounded, real‑world lens to discussions about change in the food and fibre sector, shaped by his experience running a drystock farming operation alongside his advisory and project work.
Phillip has contributed to three Our Land and Water National Science Challenge projects, focusing on diversification and the barriers farmers face when adapting to new pressures and opportunities. His Nuffield Scholarship research into industry‑good structures became a precursor to the Common Ground project, where he later worked with KPMG and AGMARDT to help build a more unified sector narrative.
His background spans environmental science in Australia, commercialisation at AgResearch, and involvement in initiatives such as the Vegetable Centre of Excellence. He is a former Associate Trustee with AGMARDT and currently serves as a Director of Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Phillip also writes regularly for Farmers Weekly, exploring resilience, collaboration, and the human side of farming - themes that shape his contribution to sector conversations.
Ariana Estoras
Māori executive leader and scientist of Ngāti Maniapoto descent
Farmers Powering Next-Generation Growth
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Ariana Estoras is a Māori executive leader, scientist and governance director whose work sits at the intersection of mātauranga Māori, agricultural science and intergenerational land stewardship. Of Ngāti Maniapoto descent, she brings more than 15 years’ experience across Aotearoa’s primary industries, building Māori agribusiness partnerships and leading research that centres whenua, whānau and long-term wellbeing.
Currently Kaiārahi Matua / Director Māori Strategy, Research and Partnerships within the AgResearch–Bioeconomy Science Institute group, Ariana leads a Māori-centred research portfolio that integrates mātauranga Māori and agriscience to enable future‑ready farms and new agrifood value streams. Her work spans Māori landowner engagement, climate and bioeconomy transitions, and co-design of research that reflects iwi, hapū and incorporation aspirations for sustainable, productive food and fibre systems.
Ariana’s perspective on the “farm of the future” is grounded in intergenerational landscapes – farms as part of whakapapa-linked ecosystems where decisions today are made with 100‑, 500‑year horizons in mind. She has championed approaches that weave maramataka, soil and water knowledge, and kaitiakitanga with data, genetics and on-farm innovation to create value that is environmental, cultural, social and economic. This includes supporting Māori agribusinesses and landowners to navigate new markets, emissions and climate expectations while protecting and enhancing whenua and Te Taiao for future mokopuna.
Alongside her executive role, Ariana serves in governance for organisations across food, fibre and rural leadership, contributing strategic insight into Māori economic development, regional innovation and workforce capability. She is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and holds a Masters in biochemistry/molecular genetics from the University of Otago, a degree in Mātauranga Māori from Te Wānanga o Raukawa and is currently a doctorate candidate with Capable NZ. Ariana bringing both deep technical grounding and kaupapa Māori leadership to conversations about how farmers can power next‑generation growth.
Chris Jackson
Design Futurist,
What do we need in the engine room for innovation in Aotearoa?
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We have just announced another spectacular E Tipu 2026 speaker!
Chris is a Design Futurist exploring how creativity and foresight can help people and organisations build clarity, confidence, and capability for what’s next.
With over two decades of experience across design and strategy, he helps teams navigate uncertainty and imagine alternative futures through speculative and strategic design. His Futures of Design 2045 scenarios have inspired designers to reimagine the role of creativity in shaping tomorrow’s world.
Chris’s workshops blend imagination with strategy - creating space for reflection, experimentation, and fresh thinking about what the future could hold. He has worked with organisations including ASB, AgResearch, Beef and Lamb New Zealand, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Massey University, New Zealand Rugby, Optimal, Red Cross New Zealand, Serato, Tapuwae Roa, and Te Atiawa iwi.
He is also a partner at the strategic foresight practice, We Create Futures
We’re thrilled to have Chris join us for Day One, Session Two at E Tipu 2026. This is a session you will not want to miss!To learn more about Chris and his work, visit his website.
Mark Piper
Transition CEO Bioeconomy Institute
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Mark was appointed Transition CEO of the Bioeconomy Institute – a merger of AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion – in July 2025. Prior to joining as CEO Plant & Food Research in 2023, Mark spent 30 years with Fonterra Cooperative Group. His most recent role, which he held for five years, was as Director Research & Development, Category Marketing & Strategy, leading a team of around 400 staff. Whilst at Fonterra, Mark held roles based in New Zealand and internationally. This included three years in Japan in a technical role focused on growth and customer engagement, and five years in the US where he was the Regional Director for Fonterra Americas, based in Chicago.
Kate Scott
CEO Horticulture New Zealand
From talk to action: when common ground cultivates change
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Kate Scott is the Chief Executive of Horticulture New Zealand.
Kate has been working in agribusiness for 20 years bringing experience in resource management, environmental policy and planning and stakeholder engagement having previously been an
executive director of environmental consultancy Landpro, the deputy chair of Thriving Southland, and the current chair of the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust. Kate was a Nuffield scholar in 2018 and was a recipient of the Rabobank Australasian Emerging Leader award in 2023.
Kate’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Geography & Political Science) degree from Victoria University. She completed the Leading Professional Service Firms programme at Harvard Business School and the Institute of Directors Governance Development Programme.
Lee-Ann Marsh
General Manager AGMARDT
From talk to action: when common ground cultivates change
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Lee-Ann is the General Manager for AGMARDT an independent, not for profit organisation that strategically invests in research, innovation and leadership across Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. AGMARDT has proudly supported the E Tipu Summit since its inception in 2019 and believes in its power to inspire and activate innovation.
Lee-Ann is an experienced global marketer with a background in consumer insights and innovation. She made the move to New Zealand at the end of 2010, discovering a passion for all things food and fibre and has worked in various trans-tasman and global roles with Fonterra, Nestlé, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Lisa Portas
Nuffield Scholar, Director & Trustee
Trendsetters, Not Trend Takers: Nuffield on the Next Wave
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Lisa Portas has spent more than a decade working across agriculture, rural businesses, and supply chains, with a strong focus on how farmers can capture more value from what they produce. Her experience spans operational roles, strategic project development, and collaboration with growers, processors, manufacturers, and brands in New Zealand and internationally.
A key influence on her work was her Nuffield Farming Scholarship, through which she researched global agricultural value-chain models, including those operating in Europe. This research reinforced her belief that greater transparency, trust, and closer alignment between producers and markets can strengthen returns for farmers and build more resilient supply chains.
Alongside her research and commercial work, Lisa holds several governance and leadership roles. She is an Associate Trustee on the AGMARDT board, a member of the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy Steering Group, sits on the Destination Wairarapa RTO Board, and is the Regional Co-ordinator for the Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Lisa is also involved in a small number of wool-related initiatives, including work connected to European markets, and is a part of the recently established Fibre Aotearoa Governance Group.
As a speaker, she brings a practical, future-focused perspective on supply chains, wool, and the value of thinking beyond traditional industry models.
More to come - stay tuned!
Meet the E Tipu 2026 Steering Committee
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Dr Victoria Hatton
CEO FoodHQ Innovation
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Dean Fraser
Co-Founder and CEO of Rākau Carbon, co-founder of Mā Tātou
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Laura Morrison
Farm Owner, The Gullies, Federated Farmers National Meat and Wool Executive Member, & Vice Chair, Manawatu-Rangitīkei
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Nicola O'Rourke
Founder and Managing Partner of Founders Advisory, Director
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Andy Whitson
National Sales and Marketing Manager, Farmers Weekly
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Anna Benny
Technical Manager (IXOM) and dairy farmer
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Lee-Ann Marsh
General Manager for AGMARDT
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Stefan Clerens
Science Group Manager of Smart Foods & Bioproducts at the Bioeconomy Science Institute
#TRENDING INTO THE FUTURE
#TRENDING INTO THE FUTURE
CONNECT
—
CONVERSE
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CONVERT
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CONNECT — CONVERSE — CONVERT —
Summit programme
One field trip and four sessions over three days will answer critical questions on how we can trend into the future.
Field trips on the 20th
Evolving preferences
Meeting the modern consumer
Visionary Design
How do we get ahead of the trends?
Accelerating Innovation
What do we need in the engine room?
The Future Unfolds
Embracing disruption and spotting trends
Introducing our MC for E Tipu 2026
Dr Victoria Hatton
Dr. Victoria Hatton is a passionate change maker in the food industry. As the Chief Executive at FoodHQ Innovation, New Zealand’s leading hub of food and food production scientists, she leads a programme of work that will help shape the future of New Zealand's food system. Victoria is focused on building capability across the food innovation ecosystem, convening stakeholders to activate change and driving leadership with foresight and insight. This includes the Future of Food thought leadership publication, which has garnered global attention.
Previously, she was Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at PwC, worked with the UK and NZ governments, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. She is Vice President of the British New Zealand Business Association and a trustee for New Zealand Food Waste Champions 12.3.
Partners, and supporters
We’ve partnered with some of the most innovative organisations in Aotearoa and globally. From government agencies to innovation accelerators, education providers to industry bodies, business networks to producers, growers, and food and beverage innovators.
We welcomed partners, supporters and exhibitors from all walks of the food and fibre ecosystem.
Keen to join them in 2026? Express your interest to explore what partnership opportunities are available to you.
2026 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
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2026 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON •
2026 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
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2026 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON •
Plan your Canterbury trip
Canterbury rewards those who follow their nose and get off the beaten track to find the hidden gems to see and do. For the adventure seekers, the innovators, those passionate about food and fibre, dive right in to get a flavour of Canterbury.
The New Zealand Food and Fibre Summit
May 21-22 | 2026
Ōtautahi - Christchurch
#Trending Into The Future
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Contact us.
If you have questions, please contact us:
e-tipu@foodhq.com
FoodHQ Building
Palmerston North