25 May 2010

Following Federated Farmers Southland Annual General Meeting yesterday, 23 May, the Province elected a new provincial president to replace Rod Pemberton, who is now farming in Central Otago.

Hugh Gardyne, a stud and commercial sheep farmer from Waikaka, is familiar with public office having served a term as a Gore District councillor and is a former area chairman for Federated Farmers Southland. Mr Gardyne continues to be involved in his local community and maintains a keen interest in rural industry affairs

“Rod Pemberton has done an outstanding job as President and leaves the province in good shape,” says Hugh Gardyne, Federated Farmers Southland provincial president.

“I’d also like to record the contribution of Dairy chairman, Vaughan Templeton, who has also retired. Their service is a credit to them because people like Rod and Vaughan have worked incredibly hard.
“A key part of my presidency will be to continue strengthening the organisation in Southland and involve the new members who have expressed a willingness to help.

“Our AGM also heard from new Act leader, Dr Don Brash, who outlined the issues impeding New Zealand’s return to budget surpluses, the behaviour of Government and the "one law for all" prerogative as contained in the Treaty.

"The presentation of Life Membership to national Federated Farmers President, Don Nicolson, was a worthy acknowledgement of Don's exceptional service to Southland and the Federation’s affairs. His contribution has been outstanding", Mr Gardyne concluded.

Immediate past provincial president, Rod Pemberton, appreciated the support of the Southland province and his executive over his tenure.

“After moving to central Otago my focus is on getting fully back into farming. That said I’ll be looking to help out in my new community in some capacity.

“It has been my privilege to have served the Southland province and the way Federated Farmers responded to last September’s devastating storms.

I wish the new team all the best. With a rising membership Southland, is going from strength to strength and the team should have a rewarding few ahead of them,” Mr Pemberton concluded.

Summary of the Federated Farmers Southland Executive for 2011/12
Hugh Gardyne, Southland Provincial President
Russell McPherson, Southland dairy chairperson
Allan Baird, Southland dairy vice-chairperson
Andrew Morrison, Southland Meat & Fibre chairperson
Gary Coker, Southland Meat & Fibre vice-chairperson
Edward Pinckney, Southland Meat & Fibre junior vice-chairperson
John Gardyne, Southland Grain & Seed chairperson
Donald Kidd, Southland Sharemilkers chairperson

Life Membership of Federated Farmers Southland awarded to Don Nicolson

David Rose Federated Farmers National Board Member

As you will know, Don Nicolson is our province’s first ever National President. As a sheep and beef farmer and farm forester, he retires from the top job on July 1 at the National Conference being held in Rotorua.

Don has given tirelessly to Federated Farmers Southland. He is always only a phone call away, even when as National President, he receives some 300 e-mails a day and after 430am flights, has to cram a farming week into a weekend.

At the local level and over many decades, Don has been a driving force in and for our province. His impeccable manners, dress sense, commitment, high principles and passion to make a difference, made the decision to recognise Don’s contribution essential. Even though there has not been any new Life Members for many years, I think Don is a deserved recipient.

In his normal humble manner, Don talks of his time leading the Federation as being a privilege. It is well earned, because he has sweated blood and he has never let me or anyone I know, down. In this he has been supported by his wife, Gail, who proves the adage that ‘behind every good man there is a good women’.

I am proud to call him a friend and we salute you Don with Life Membership of Federated Farmers Southland.

ENDS

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