2024 Programme

PAST EVENTS

Driving sustainability, value and growth

(Conference planners reserve the right to change the conference programme where necessary.)

01.

Programme

10.50am-11.15am

Morning tea

Networking opportunity in the trade stand exhibition area.

Sponsor

3.20pm-4.00pm

Session 5

Fireside Chat - Fresh Perspective on Farming

Location: SkyCity Theatre

Nadia Lim

Nadia Lim, celebrity chef and farmer, will share her experiences as a relatively new entrant to the sector and engaging with the public around farming issues through her highly successful programme Nadia’s Farm.

4.10pm - 4.50pm

Session 6

Resilience in Challenging Times

Closing Address - Jamie Fitzgerald, Inspiring Performance

That age-old adage that change is the only constant applies doubly in the agricultural sector, whichever side of the farm gate you are on. Hear from modern-day pioneer and inspirational Kiwi Jamie Fitzgerald about his experience linking small actionable steps to strategy can build resiliency and mastery of the uncertain.

5.00pm

Day conference finish

6.30pm-7.30pm

Pre-Dinner Drinks

Location: Weta Workshop Unleashed Promenade, 88 Federal Street, level 5

7.30pm-11.30pm

Maersk Gala Dinner

Location: Weta Workshop Unleashed, 88 Federal Street, level 5. Dress code - Cocktail Attire

11.20am-11.45am

Session 4

Innovation Showcase - An Australian perspective

Chris Taylor, CEO of Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) - Innovation Showcase

Emerging technologies, ranging from artificial intelligence to virtual reality, have the potential to supercharge productivity and returns, but it can be a daunting technology landscape to jump into. Hear from Australian Meat Processor Corp. CEO Chris Taylor on how processors across the Tasman are successfully dipping their toes into these techy waters.

11.20am-11.45am

Breakout Session 1 (choose 1)

Innovation and Technology - A New Zealand perspective - Sponsored by Lynn River

Location: SkyCity Theatre

Andrew Arnold - Scott Technology, Professor Bruce MacDonald - University of Auckland, Stuart Hall - AgResearch

Delve deeper into emerging technologies with a panel of experts, who will unpack the implications for the wider agricultural and red meat sector in New Zealand, exploring both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

11.20am-11.45am

Breakout Session 2 (choose 1)

Global health and sustainability of livestock products

Location: Weta Workshop Uncorked, 88 Federal Street, level 5

Warren McNabb, Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Riddet Institute

Tap into the global conversation on health and sustainability of livestock products with Professor Warren McNabb from the Nutritional Science Riddet Institute. The Riddet Institute is deeply involved in a number of the global processes that are shaping this conversation and will provide us with insights the New Zealand Red Meat Sector needs to be aware of, and thinking about. 

12:50pm - 1:45pm

Lunch

Networking opportunity in the SkyCity Theatre Foyer

1.50pm - 2.45pm

Breakout Session 3 (choose 1)

Working Back from the Consumer: Consumer Trends, Insights and Developments - sponsored by AsureQuality

Location: SkyCity Theatre

Mark Tanner - Managing Director, China Skinny, Sarah Morgan - Made with Care NZTE

Spotlight on China.

9.00am-9.45am

Session 1

Weta Workshop Uncorked (88 Federal Street, level 5)

Michael McQueen

The Covid pandemic has been a catalyst for change, dramatically transforming consumer behavior, markets and workplaces across the globe. Award winning speaker, trend forecaster and author Michael McQueen will provide a deep insight into these tectonic shifts, and how red meat sector leaders need to position themselves for success in this emerging new normal.

9.45am-10.15am

Session 2

Trade in a time of turbulence

Vangelis Vitalis

As New Zealand continues to emerge and engage post-Covid trade it is increasingly clear that many of the old trade and market certainties no longer hold, and new risks and opportunities are emerging on the world stage. Join MFAT Deputy Secretary Vangelis Vitalis as he shares his insights into how New Zealand can steer a leading trade strategy in increasingly turbulent waters at the Conference.

10.15am-10.45am

Session 3

Processor panel - sponsored by Eurofins

Fred Hellaby - Wilson Hellaby Ltd, Gerard Hickey - First Light Foods, Vangelis Vitalis - MFAT, Willie Wiese - Alliance Group

New Zealand’s sophisticated red meat business model is built on the ability to shift volume between export markets to maximise value. Hear from leading red meat processor chief executives on the emerging standards and consumer expectations that our industry will need to meet to stay at the top of the red meat export game.

10.50am-11.15am

Morning tea

Networking opportunity in the trade stand exhibition area.

7.00am

Registration desk opens

SkyCity Theatre Foyer

Open all day until 3.15pm

Trade exhibition space foyer

SkyCity Theatre Foyer

8:00am-8.30am

Mihi Whakatau, welcome and conference opening

Sky City Theatre (upstairs)

Opening Speaker: Nathan Guy, Chair of Meat Industry Association

8:30am-9.00am

Government address

Sky City Theatre (upstairs)

6.30pm-8.30pm

Meat Business Women Lunch with guest speaker

Weta Workshop Uncorked (88 Federal Street, level 5)

Sponsored by Ministry for Primary Industries

Join Meat Business Women for lunch to hear from renowned New Zealand businesswomen and corporate trailblazer Theresa Gattung. She will be sharing valuable insights into her career journey, reflecting on the challenges faced then and now, and highlighting the progress made in supporting women break through the glass ceiling. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a true boardroom pioneer. There is a cost of $80 for this lunch which is in addition to the cost of conference registration.

4.30pm

Registration desk opens

SkyCity Theatre Foyer (Corner Hobson St & Wellesley St West)

5.30pm-6.30pm

Political Debate

SkyCity Theatre (upstairs)

With the political polls pointing to a tight race in the 2023 election, this is an opportunity to hear directly from Minister Damien O’Connor and National’s Todd McClay how their parties plan to grow the agri-economy and open new markets for New Zealand’s world-class protein exports. With renowned political journalist Tova O’Brien asking the tough questions, expect fireworks.