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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

Tim Deane
Owner and Managing Director of Norsewear

From price takers to price makers:  the potential for kiwi brands to grow sector value and bring goodness back home

  • 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.

Amber Carpenter
Farmer, business owner, and sector leader. Owner and leader of Grass Roots Media

Belonging, Boldness, and Breakthroughs: Women Redefining Food and Fibre

  • Amber Carpenter is a farmer, business owner, and sector leader working at the intersection of food and fibre, innovation, and leadership.

    Her career began in the fashion industry, working in fast paced commercial environments before making a deliberate shift away from corporate life to build a future grounded in purpose and connection to the land. Today, she and her husband Fraser farm just under 500 dairy cows in Paparimu, South Auckland, and lease two beef farms, giving her hands on experience across diverse farming systems and a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing farmers every day.

    Alongside farming, Amber owns and leads Grass Roots Media, a digital marketing agency purpose built for the food and fibre sector. Grass Roots Media partners with agribusinesses to help them succeed in the digital space, using thoughtful strategy and storytelling to showcase their value and support long term growth. The business delivers strategy, content, social media, and digital campaigns that are grounded in real world farming knowledge and focused on long term value creation for both businesses and the wider sector.

    Amber is deeply involved in industry leadership and governance. She has served as National Chair of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, is Chair of DairyNZ’s Dairy Environment Leaders network, a Farmstrong Ambassador, and a Kellogg Scholar. She is also actively involved in local catchment and community initiatives, bringing people together around shared goals for sustainability and progress.

    Her leadership is driven by a clear purpose, creating positive, impactful, and lasting change for the people, communities, and future generations that underpin New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. Amber brings a grounded, thoughtful perspective shaped by lived experience on farm, in business, and at governance level, with a strong focus on belonging, bold leadership, and breakthrough thinking.

Neal Wallace
Farmers Weekly senior reporter

Evolving preferences: the modern consumer and the future of food.

  • 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.

Emily Dekker
New Zealand Food Innovation Network, also representing Toitū Envirocare

Belonging, Boldness, and Breakthroughs: Women Redefining Food and Fibre

  • An accomplished senior leader with extensive experience across the FMCG sector and global operating environments, Emily is recognised for driving innovation, product quality, and performance within highly regulated frameworks. With a strong reputation for big-picture thinking, they balance technical feasibility, commercial outcomes, and stakeholder expectations while confidently challenging the status quo to deliver meaningful change.

    A subject matter expert in food systems and sustainability, Emily has led high-performing teams, rebuilt capability in complex organisations, and partnered closely with clients and manufacturers to optimise outcomes across the value chain. Her career highlights include delivering significant new product growth, elevating quality performance to gold-standard levels, navigating supply chain disruption during Brexit and COVID-19, and guiding organisations through carbon reduction and sustainability programmes. Passionate about the future of the global food ecosystem, Emily brings a collaborative leadership style and an ability to communicate with clarity and impact across diverse audiences.

Sarah How
Co-founder and GM of Landify

Pattern Breakers: Disruptive Young Minds in Food and Fibre

  • Sarah is co-founder and GM of Landify, a digital platform connecting landowners, farmers and investors throughout New Zealand. Landify aims to support more partnerships in farming, giving more families options to both step back, and step up to ownership opportunities. Based in South Canterbury, Sarah is an outdoors-lover, wife, mother, recent MBA graduate, and proud member of the rural community.

Brig Ravera
Associate Director at KPMG PropagateTM

Pattern Breakers: Disruptive Young Minds in Food and Fibre

  • Sarah is co-founder and GM of Landify, a digital platform connecting landowners, farmers and investors throughout New Zealand. Landify aims to support more partnerships in farming, giving more families options to both step back, and step up to ownership opportunities. Based in South Canterbury, Sarah is an outdoors-lover, wife, mother, recent MBA graduate, and proud member of the rural community.

Victoria Hatton
CEO of FoodHQ

The one skill we can't afford to skip

  • In a world of compounding shocks, leaders cannot afford to just react – they need the habit of looking ahead. At E Tipu 2026, Dr Victoria Hatton will run a rapid foresight sprint: a hands-on, no-fluff working session where you scan real signals, stress-test assumptions, and practice making better decisions under uncertainty. Walk away with a practical foresight muscle you can take straight back to your boardroom, farm, or business – because the leaders who thrive next are not the best predictors, but the best anticipators.

Anna Rich
Head of Commercial Strategy, Tegel Foods

Pattern Breakers: Disruptive Young Minds in Food and Fibre

  • Anna Rich is Head of Commercial Strategy at Tegel Foods, New Zealand’s leading poultry producer. She brings over 15 years’ experience across Food and FMCG, with leadership roles spanning strategy, marketing, category and customer across New Zealand and Australia.
    Over the past 5 years at Tegel, Anna has focused on challenging legacy thinking, turning changing consumer and retail dynamics into practical commercial outcomes.

Ella Beatty
Manager at KPMG PropagateTM

Pattern Breakers: Disruptive Young Minds in Food and Fibre

  • Ella is a Manager at KPMG PropagateTM, KPMG New Zealand’s dedicated food, agribusiness and export advisory practice. She brings almost a decade of experience across the food and fibre sector in Australia, Asia and New Zealand, including earlier roles as a commodity trader in Australia’s arable sector, trading value‑added grains and pulses into various export markets. At KPMG, Ella supports New Zealand food and fibre businesses to rethink traditional export strategies and operating models by interrogating how value chains, market access and risk settings are shifting. Ella now lives on a horticultural farm in Canterbury, bringing a grounded, systems‑level perspective to the future of food and fibre.

Richard Rennie
Contributing journalist to NZ Farmers Weekly

Evolving preferences: the modern consumer and the future of food.

  • 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

  • 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, business leader, entrepreneur, and investor

From Tools to Teammates: Agentic AI in Action

  • 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.

Alison Barrass
Professional Director and former CEO, Chair AA Insurance, Director Suncorp New Zealand, Director Precinct Property

A celebration of women in agribusiness

  • Alison is a Professional Director and former CEO.  She has had direct leadership experience in large scale consumer goods organisations and has previously worked in Sales, Marketing and Operations.  Alison worked in the FMCG industry for 30 years, with iconic New Zealand food brands such as Griffins and Vogels.  She now sits on the board of Zespri and Rockit Apples,  Chairs Babich Wines, and is a huge advocate for the growth of premium New Zealand Agri brands off shore.


    She is passionate about people, brands and technology and Alison’s focus in governance is to provide support to New Zealand businesses to help them identify the keys to rapid growth and transformation both locally and internationally, through effective leadership, smart business design and innovation. 

    Alison is currently also Chair of AA Insurance, a Director of Suncorp New Zealand and a Director Precinct Property.

Richard Green
Agribusiness Investor and director

Being the Best for 2050 and beyond: Commodities, Premium, and the Promise of Value-Add

  • 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

  • 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.

Hamish Guild
High Peak Station, 2024 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing

Farmers Powering Next-Generation Growth

  • Hamish Guild of Canterbury’s High Peak Station was named a 2024 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing, alongside his brother Simon. High Peak is a 3,760‑hectare, multigenerational farm integrating sheep, cattle, deer, honey, and tourism, operated through an eight‑way family partnership focused on long‑term sustainability. The Family also received the Gordon Stephenson Trophy for their exemplary environmental, social, and financial performance. Known for articulate leadership and commitment to biodiversity, innovation, and resilience, Hamish represents a new generation driving sustainable land management across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

Dan Steele
Owner Blue Duck Station, Tourism operator, Entrepreneur, Nuffield Scholar

Trendsetters, Not Trend Takers: Nuffield on the Next Wave

  • Dan Steele is a farmer, tourism operator and conservation-led entrepreneur based at Blue Duck Station, a 1,460-hectare sheep and beef station and conservation project at Whakahoro, surrounded by Whanganui National Park. After working with his family on the neighbouring Retaruke Station, Dan set out to build a diversified rural business designed to be resilient, profitable and intergenerational.

     

    Dan established Blue Duck Lodge and Blue Duck Station in the mid-2000s, integrating farming, conservation and tourism to create value beyond commodity production. A Nuffield Scholar in 2015, Dan’s thinking has been shaped by the belief that New Zealand’s long-term success depends on recognising natural capital as an economic asset and competing globally through fewer, higher-value products with strong provenance.

     

    Dan has four children — Blue, Snow, Forest and River — and this strongly informs his long-term outlook. More recently, Dan has become involved in a regenerative, conservation-led honey enterprise producing mānuka and native bush honeys in partnership with landowners, with a vision for rural New Zealand to lead globally in resilience while building enduring, community-based businesses.

Jack Bobo
Futurist, Executive Director UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, Honorary professor University of Nottingham

Rebuilding Trust in Food: Aligning Productivity, Climate and Consumer Expectations

  • Jack Bobo is Executive Director of the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies and an honorary professor at the University of Nottingham. A globally recognized expert on food systems, trust, and innovation, his work focuses on reducing polarization and strengthening public confidence in science and agriculture. He previously served as Director of the Food Systems Institute at Nottingham, Director of Global Food and Water Policy at The Nature Conservancy, CEO of Futurity, and spent over a decade at the U.S. Department of State leading international engagement on biotechnology, food security, and regulatory cooperation. Named one of Scientific American’s 100 most influential people in biotechnology and recipient of the Borlaug CAST Communication Award, he is the author of Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices. Jack has delivered more than 1,000 speeches in over 50 countries and leads Nudge the Planet, advancing a more sustainable, nutritious, and equitable food future.

Dr John Roche
Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

Future Vision For The Primary Sector

  • Dr John Roche is a globally recognised expert in agricultural science and was appointed Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in May 2025.

    He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council, which was established to guide the government on key scientific priorities and challenges.

    Dr Roche grew up on a dairy farm in Castleisland, Ireland, where his early experiences shaped his passion for agricultural innovation and sustainability. He holds an Honours degree in Animal Science, a Master’s in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition. His academic and professional career spans Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with a focus on advancing sustainable farming practices and improving agricultural productivity.

    Dr Roche has also served as Chief Science Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) since 2018, a role he continues on a part time basis. At MPI, he led the organisation’s science forum, chaired the science governance group, and oversaw the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. He also contributed to the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor’s Forum and held an adjunct professorship at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences.

    Dr Roche’s previous roles include Principal Scientist for Animal Science at DairyNZ, where he worked on innovative solutions to enhance the dairy sector’s sustainability and resilience. His expertise in animal nutrition, farm systems, and pasture management has made him a trusted advisor in both scientific and policy circles.

Dr Angeline Achariya
CEO, Innovation GameChangers

Creating Value Before Your Competitors Finish Breakfast.

  • 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

  • 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.

Matt Mudford
Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company Limited (NAHC)

Pattern Breakers: Disruptive Young Minds in Food and Fibre

  • Matt Mudford (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa) is the Chief Executive of Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company Limited (NAHC), the commercial investment entity of Ngāpuhi - the largest iwi population in Aotearoa. Based in Kaikohe, NAHC manages Treaty settlement assets and is focused on growing an enduring asset base that serves hapū, whenua trusts, and whānau across Te Tai Tokerau. NAHC manages significant Fisheries assets and has a Berryfruit joint venture with Turners & Growers.  

    Prior to joining NAHC, Matt was at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, where as an Investment Manager he supported innovative Māori businesses and investment entities to build long-term investment capability. Before that, he was at KPMG, where he led strategy and transformation projects across major organisations and iwi entities, and co-founded Kiwa - KPMG's Māori and Pasifika network — focused on building Māori capability and mentoring emerging talent.  

Cherrie Atilano
Founding CEO of AGREA

What If No One Wanted To Farm? Rethinking Food, Value And Respect

  • Ms. Cherrie Atilano is a multi-awarded Filipino social entrepreneur and the founding CEO of AGREA, a purpose-driven agri-business promoting sustainable agriculture, fair trade, and inclusive agri-based economies. She is a recognized voice for farmers and food systems transformation, with her work featured by the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and global media platforms.

    While active in international policy spaces, Ms. Atilano remains deeply rooted in the field—working directly with farming communities to drive impact on climate, gender equity, and rural development. She also sits on several Boards of organizations nationally and globally. She holds a degree in Agriculture from Visayas State University, and has completed executive education at Wageningen University, Stanford University, and Harvard Kennedy School.

Nicola O’Rourke
Founder and Managing Partner of Founders Advisory, Director

The age of intentional eating

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

Mark Ross
CEO, Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ

Being the Best for 2050 and beyond: Commodities, Premium, and the Promise of Value-Add

  • Mark joined the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA) as Chief Executive in July 2023, bringing with him a variety of knowledge from across the primary sector. His career spans the agricultural, horticultural, and forestry industries, where he has held leadership roles at Animal and Plant Health NZ, Federated Farmers of NZ, and the Ministry for Primary Industries. With experience ranging from managing exotic pest and disease eradication programmes to developing national policy, Mark combines strategic insight with practical, hands‑on knowledge gained from working on farms, orchards, in forest health, and in field research. He holds an MBA from Massey University and Field Technology from Lincoln University. His governance background includes directorships with Agrecovery, Growsafe and PEFC. Mark currently sits on the Ministerial Manufacturing Advisory Group and is a strong advocate for increasing the use of New Zealand wood in domestic construction. Outside of work, Mark enjoys time with his family, travelling, and staying active through running and multi‑sport events.

Bruce Weir
General Manager of Country Banking at Rabobank New Zealand

Being the Best for 2050 and beyond: Commodities, Premium, and the Promise of Value-Add

  • Bruce Weir is General Manager of Country Banking at Rabobank New Zealand, leading teams nationwide supporting the food and agribusiness sector. With more than twenty years’ banking experience, he brings deep understanding of rural clients and their operating environments. A purpose led leader, Bruce focuses on building culture, capability and clarity to deliver strong outcomes for clients and communities. Since moving to Waikato in 2019, Rabobank has grown from fourth to second in rural lending market share. Raised on a Hawke’s Bay farm, Bruce studied agriculture and applied science at Massey University and remains involved in dairy and horticulture enterprises.

Suse Reynolds
Startup Investor, Founding Member of Angel Association NZ, Founder AngelHQ

Beyond the Pitch Deck: What Really Powers Investment in Food & Fibre

  • Suse was a founding member of Angel Association NZ joining at its inception in 2008. She took up the Executive Director role in 2012, transitioning to Chair in 2020 and stepping down from this role in 2024. 

     

    In 2005 Suse founded AngelHQ, the Wellington region’s angel network. Today AngelHQ has 100+ members and has invested over $70m into 150+ high-growth startup companies. 

     

    An active angel investor, Suse has over 30 ventures in her portfolio and currently chairs UNESCO recognized startup, Narrative Muse, the world's only independent data set mapping human taste across books and screen content helping every story to find its audience.  

     

    Suse Chairs the Wellington branch of the Institute of Directors and is on the National Council.

     

    She was the Deputy Chair of the Government appointed Startup Advisors Council which released the Upstart Nation Report in August 2023 and continues to champion the role of startups in Aotearoa's future.

Alison Watters
Director of Fonterra and Chair of Comhla Vet Ltd

Innovation starts in the board room

  • Alison Watters has built a diverse career spanning business development, scientific research, academic leadership, commercial R&D implementation, innovation management, and farm business management, alongside more than 25 years’ experience in governance.

    She is currently a Director of Fonterra and Chair of Comhla Vet Ltd, a large New Zealand-owned veterinary business with clinics across New Zealand and Australia. Alison has previously served as Chair of AsureQuality and of the Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited (MetService). Alison has also been a Director of Livestock Improvement Corporation and a board member of the High Value Nutrition National Science Challenge.

    Alison’s governance expertise has been built on a foundation of extensive knowledge and experience in research, development, and applied innovation, particularly in the commercialization of ingredients and food products for human nutrition. More recently, her focus has been on the effective governance of innovation within commercial organisations.

    Alison is passionate about shaping a robust strategy and ensuring strong management accountability, particularly where innovation is critical to long-term success.

    Alison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science and a PhD in Nutritional Physiology, and remains actively involved in her family’s farming business.

Dr Tanira Kingi
Emeritus Scientist with the Scion Group, Industry Governance

Being the Best for 2050 and beyond: Commodities, Premium, and the Promise of Value-Add

  • Tanira is an Emeritus Scientist with the Scion Group in the Biological Science Institute and holds several directorships in NZ’s primary industry sectors, predominantly with Māori land authorities. Tanira is the chair of Te Arawa Arataua (Te Arawa Primary Sector collective) and is a past director of Landcorp Farming (Pamu). Tanira is the science lead of a production and landuse change scenario programme (Takahuri Whenua), currently funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries.  Tanira has a PhD in agricultural economics and development (Australian National University), and an MAppSc (Hons) in agricultural systems management (Massey University). His tribal affiliations are with Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Rangitihi, Te Arawa.

Chris Jackson
Design Futurist, We Create Futures

What do we need in the engine room for innovation in Aotearoa?

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

Nick Pyke
AGMARDT Chair, Founder and Director of Ag Innovate Ltd and Leftfield Innovation Ltd

Being the Best for 2050 and beyond: Commodities, Premium, and the Promise of Value-Add

  • Nick is a Founder and Director of Ag Innovate Ltd and Leftfield Innovation Ltd. Ag Innovate focusses on supporting innovation through high quality applied research and deliver benefits to New Zealand food producers and the agricultural industries. Leftfield Innovation is a social enterprise which uses market insights to develop diversified sustainable land uses delivering food for consumers. Nick has governance experience with agricultural businesses, farms, industry good organisations and a sports organisation and is currently Chair of AGMARDT, a director of Cropmark Seeds and Pāmu and chair of Darfield Seed.

Kate Acland
Chair Beef + Lamb NZ, Chair NZ Meat Board

Belonging, Boldness, and Breakthroughs: Women Redefining Food and Fibre

  • Kate Acland is a recognised leader in New Zealand’s primary industries, serving as Chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Chair of New Zealand Meat Board — the first woman to hold both roles. She joined the NZ Meat Board in 2021 and was appointed its Chair in 2023, overseeing strategic governance and export quota management for New Zealand’s red meat sector. At Beef + Lamb NZ, Kate was elected Chair in 2023 after serving as Deputy Chair, guiding the farmer-owned organisation through a period of change and renewed strategic focus.

     

    Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology and a Master’s in Applied Science (Farm Management Consultancy) from Lincoln University. Before her governance career, she developed a successful vineyard and wine export business and now, with her husband David, manages a diversified farming enterprise at Mt Somers Station. Her board roles reflect deep experience across governance, agribusiness and sector advocacy.

INNOVATION SHOWCASE INFORMATION BELOW

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INNOVATION SHOWCASE INFORMATION BELOW •

Innovation Showcase | 2026

Day one, session one

Shane Nolan
AIMER

  • Shane Nolan is the Chief Revenue Officer at Aimer Farming, a New Zealand Agritech company using AI‑powered tools to help farmers optimise pasture and livestock management. He works closely with farmers and industry partners to ensure Aimer delivers practical, on‑farm value.

    Since joining Aimer, Shane has focused on aligning commercial strategy with farmer needs, strengthening industry partnerships, and supporting farmers to reduce labour and make faster, more confident grazing decisions. His career spans agribusiness and Agritech, working alongside farmers, rural retailers, and technology providers, giving him a grounded understanding of how digital tools must integrate seamlessly into real farming systems.

    Known for his collaborative, people‑first leadership style, Shane is passionate about translating technology into outcomes that matter on farm. Based in Christchurch, he remains closely connected to New Zealand’s primary sector and the role innovation plays in its future.

Jade Luxton
Sterineedle

  • Jade Luxton is designing smarter tools for livestock care and has founded Sterineedle. An industrial product design student from Christchurch with a background in dairy farming, she founded Sterineedle at just 17, a practical, user-focused innovation improving on-farm hygiene and animal welfare. Her work combines hands-on problem-solving with a deep understanding of the people behind the process. Through building her venture, Jade has developed strong resilience, self-motivation, and an ability to turn everyday challenges into meaningful solutions
    Headshot and company logo attached.

Sandhya Sriram
Sprout Agritech

  • Sandhya is the CEO of Sprout Agritech, an agrifood value chain startup accelerator and early-stage investment firm based in New Zealand. She is a stem cell scientist turned serial entrepreneur turned investor. Her last startup, Shiok Meats, based in Singapore, is the first cell-based seafood & meat company in Southeast Asia. She exited through a merger in 2023. She is also an Advisory Board Member at the College of Science, Nanyang Technological University. She is passionate about early stage investing, innovation in the biotech and agrifood sector and ecosystem building.

Shaun Balemi
myCOW

  • Shaun’s career has been built on helping New Zealand dairy farmers get better on-farm results by combining solid-science with practical nutrition. With over 20 years’ experience and a Masters degree from Massey University, he has applied his trade directly with farmers and alongside Veterinary and Rural Professionals. His experience working alongside farmers has led him to develop the myCOW App to solve the problem farmers and consultants have of handling & interpreting milk, cow and farm data in real-time so it can be efficiently utilised to make on-farm decisions. Shaun is passionate about supporting farmers, and helping the industry grow, by using technology coupled with science and locally grounded truths to help consultants and their farmer clients increase the profitability and sustainability of their businesses.

Dr Matt Nicholson
Bontia Bio

  • Dr Matt Nicholson is co-founder and chief executive of Bontia Bio, a New Zealand-based synthetic biology start-up company that is developing anti-parasitic compounds for animal health and crop protection. With a doctorate from the University of Manchester, UK, Matt emigrated to New Zealand in 2003 where he has extended his expertise in scientific research into science commercialisation and business.  As a pioneer in the field, Matt is enthusiastic about the application of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing to expedite the growth of an advanced bio-based economy, and thereby create wealth and employment opportunities in New Zealand. 

Day two, session three

Mick Riley
Forever Harvest

  • Mick Riley is the co-founder of Forever Harvest, a New Zealand startup growing fruit and nuts without the tree. With a background in commercialising research from universities and public research organisations, he focuses on translating science into scalable businesses. Originating from the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Forever Harvest enables consistent and on-demand production of fruit and nut ingredients for global food manufacturers.

Dr. Ursula Haywood
Sacanabull

  • Dr. Ursula Haywood is Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Scanabull, a New Zealand AgTech startup revolutionising livestock weighing with 3D vision technology. With a production animal veterinary background and proven commercial track record — having successfully founded, scaled, and exited a previous agribusiness venture into international markets — Ursula brings deep expertise in taking rural innovation from concept to global deployment. At Scanabull, she leads strategic partnerships and commercialisation strategy for WeighApp, WeighIQ, and WeighPoint. Ursula is passionate about putting truly impactful products in people's hands across New Zealand's beef and dairy industries, enabling better animal health and supply chain transparency.

Elisa Harley
Enivo

  • Planting trees shouldn’t create plastic waste - right? That's why, when 19-year-old Elisa Harley fell in love with the beauty of nature, she decided to dedicate her life to creating products for the planet. At 16 years old she founded Enivo www.enivo.co.nz, making biodegradable plant pots using local materials to reduce the 350,000,000 plastic pots used annually in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Backed by industry partners, Enivo has received 6 grants and been recognised with national and international awards and conferences. This is just the start of a journey commercialising innovative solutions to make it easier for consumers to live more sustainably. Her journey proves what is possible when industry and community support the ambitious dreams of a young person. 

E Tipu 2026 Programme

21—22 May 2026 Christchurch | Te Pae Convention Centre

#TipuAkeNgatahiTatou
#GrowingTogether