New Chairman leads Young Farmers into the future

New Chairman leads New Zealand Young Farmers into the future

Jason Te Brake has been elected the new Chairman for New Zealand Young Farmers. Mr Te Brake takes the helm after Cole Groves stepped down after two years in the role.

Mr Te Brake has served on the Board as an elected member since May 2013, in this time he has taken on the role of Vice-Chairman and the Chairman of the National Committee of New Zealand Young Farmers. Mr Te Brake joined Young Farmers in 2010, and while he first joined with social intentions, Jason quickly found his way into governance.

“After taking on a few minor leadership roles I began to realise that my real passion was developing not only the people of New Zealand Young Farmers, but the organisation as a whole”.

After climbing the ranks of governance from Club and District level through to Regional level the next step for Jason was running for the Board.
“I decided to run for the Board as I felt I was able to contribute positively to the organisation at governance level and I was passionate about seeing the organisation continue to prioritise developing itself and its members to their full potential.”

The twenty-seven year old is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and works as Sales and Marketing Executive at ANZCO foods. He is also a Co-Opted member of the Beef + Lamb Farmer Council, a founding member of the Waikato Rural Business Network and has completed the Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme.

Mr Te Brake believes the next five years is critical for the organisation, which has been running for 83 years.

“Looking forward, I see the organisation having grown substantially throughout all levels of the industry, a membership which sells itself based on the substantial benefits of being part of the organisation, prestigious events and activities being recognised around the world, and a positive reputation held higher in the industry than any other organisation.”

However, Mr Te Brake is quick to point out the membership continues to be one of his main drivers.

“As Chairman the members can expect to have somebody representing them who is not only passionate about where the organisation is heading, but also somebody approachable, who is willing to listen and act upon members concerns”.

Mr Te Brake also acknowledged the hard work the previous Chairman put in during his tenure.

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution Cole Groves made over the past two years as Chairman of the Board. Cole has provided great leadership and oversight as a Chairman through a significant period of change within the organisation, including the appointing a new CEO and expansion of the National Office staff and relocation of National Office from Methven to Templeton.”

Two fresh faces join the New Zealand Young Farmers Board in the forms of elected board member, Nadine Huitema and Independent Director, Jeff Grant.

Nadine Huitema works as a Technical Specialist in Animal Nutrition in the Waikato and was elected by members for her vision and strong membership values.

Jeff Grant has joined the New Zealand Young Farmers Board as an Independent Director. An ex-Young Farmer Jeff has vast experience on multiple boards in the agri-sector, an invaluable asset to the Board.

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