Development of leaders is vital to sustaining a strong Merino industry. Merino Inc has recognized that we need to be directly involved in the training and development of future leaders.
The term 'leaders' encompasses such roles as; farmers wishing to be involved in regional associations, directors for the various R&D and commercial organizations, Merino Inc directors, farmers willing to participate in on-farm research and share information with others.
Merino Inc's leadership development strategy includes;
- Part-funding of the NZ-Biella Scholarship.
- Supporting Young Merino Groups.
- Providing financial support to participants undertaking established education and leadership programmes.
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Every second year Merino Inc offer a scholarship for 1-2 persons to travel to Italy and Europe.
The trip, which is funded by Meat and Wool NZ, involves two weeks in Biella, hosted by the Italian Master of the Noble Fibre Foundation, to learn about the processing of New Zealand merino into world class yarns for high fashion uses.
Applicants, aged 35 and under, will need to be involved in the merino industry, be it at the farm, manufacturing or retail level. They should be able to demonstrate their passion and commitment for the industry, and potential leadership aspirations.
Successful applicants will undergo some pre-visit training before embarkation to Italy. They may also be asked to host visiting Italian students at a later date.
The 2009 Biella Ambassadors were Blythe Rees Jones, a product designer from Tauranga, Richard Gloag, farmer from Omarama, and Nick Aubrey, NZ Merino Company. They were accompanied to Biella by Dr Simon Causer, NZ Merino Company. Their report gives great insight to the current economic climate in the Italian textile industry, and some of the challenges that NZ merino farmers face in this industry. 2009 Biella
Ambassador report.
The inaugural Biella Ambassadors, Paul
Ensor, farmer from Rakaia Gorge, and Christina
Perriam, fashion designer from Otago,
recount their experience in the 2007
Biella Ambassador report.
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Marlborough Young Merino Discussion
group - this group began in June 2008. The
group intends to run 3 field days/meetings
a year, with speakers of interest, and a
chance to see other Merino operations. Contact
Hamish Oswald 5757 724, or Group facilitators
Ross
Beech, or Pete Anderson.
Otago Young Merino Discussion group
- meets 3 times a year, with speakers
of interest, and farm tours/study. Contact
Hamish Jopp, 03 447 3940, or Group Facilitator
Karl
Barclay.
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There are a number of training facilities across New Zealand offering established programmes on education and leadership. Merino Inc is happy to support applicants to these established programmes by; acting as referees, subsidising costs, organising like-minded individuals to form groups. Below includes a list of programmes we think may be of interest to potential merino 'leaders'…
| PROGRAMME |
DETAILS |
PROVIDER AND CONTACTS |
Company Directors course
|
Ideal for those on Boards of Directors, 5 day residential course.
|
NZ Institute of Directors
www.iod.org.nz
|
Introduction to Directorship
|
For those considering a directorship, 2 day residential.e.
|
NZ Institute of Directors
www.iod.org.nz
|
Governance for Senior Management
|
For those reporting to/advising, 1 day course.
|
Rabobank
www.rabobank.co.nz/bmp
|
Farm Managers Programme
|
Ideal for the next generation of farm owners and senior managers. Begin in May each year, limited spaces, selection process.
|
Rabobank
www.rabobank.co.nz/bmp
|
Nuffield Scholarship
|
Scholarships awarded annually, 6 months study, 2 weeks in Asia and 6 weeks in UK/North America/Europe. Criteria: applicants to demonstrate ability and desire to participate in leadership in agriculture and wider community.
|
Meat & Wool NZ
www.meatnz.co.nz
|
Kellogg Rural Leadership programme
|
Annual intake of wide-ranging group of farming and agribusiness people, 10 day residential at Lincoln Uni, study from home, individual project, Wellington session, fee of $2250.
|
www.meatnz.co.nz
events.lincoln.ac.nz/kelloggs
|
Generate - Professional self-development - formerly the Rural Leadership Development programme
|
Groups of 15-20, meet once/month for 9 months, run by facilitator at locations which suit participants, cost $300, 9 training modules - e.g. communication, presentation/speaking skills, strategic planning, personal development, marketing and promotion.
|
www.taratahi-ag.ac.nz
or phone Caren Oliver at Taratahi 0800 827 282
|
Corporate Governance scholarship for Rural Women
|
Annual scholarship for Rural Women NZ member, residential course in Canberra, focus on women in agribusiness.
|
www.taratahi-ag.ac.nz or phone Caren Oliver at Taratahi 0800 827 282
Rural Women New Zealand
|
Vocational training
|
M&WNZ and AgITO programmes for NCEA national certificates at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.
|
Agriculture ITO (Industry Training Organisation)
www.agricultureito.ac.nz
|
Wool harvesting
|
AgITO, M&WNZ for NCEA qualifications at levels 2, 3 and 4.
|
www.agricultureito.ac.nz
|
NZ Young Farmers Club exchanges
|
International exchanges, members of YFC.
|
Young Farmers Clubs
|
Diplomas and Degrees in Agriculture
|
Diploma to post-graduate level, residential and distance.
|
Lincoln University, Massey University, Taratahi, Telford
|
Young Merino Groups
|
Regional groups set up when interest warrants, facilitator, for young farmers and farm workers.
|
Merino Inc can assist in starting a group, currently one running in Marlborough
|
School leavers introductory
|
Wide range of courses for school leavers.
|
Meat and Wool NZ
www.meatandwool.com
|
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