TODAY on COUNTRYWIDE CONNECT

Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
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11:05am – Laura Abbiss
Chairperson, Institute of Rural Professionals
Launching the 2026 Institute of Rural Professionals Conference in Wellington and what’s ahead for the sector’s professionals.
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11:18am – Gary Massicks
Agricultural Consultant
Bringing business acumen to the paddock and the importance of applying sound business thinking on farm.
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11:33am – Oliver Mander
CEO, NZ Shareholders Association
The speculation around a potential Synlait takeover and what it could mean for shareholders.
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11:48am – Charles Taituha
General Manager Māori Agribusiness, Beef + Lamb New Zealand
The opportunities emerging within Māori agribusiness and where the growth potential lies.
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12:00pm – RURAL NEWS UPDATE
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12:03pm – Simon Tucker
Group Director of Global External Affairs, Fonterra
Navigating international markets and supply chains, live from the Institute of Rural Professionals Conference.
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12:18pm – Richard Green
Managing Director, Green Investments Ltd
A consultant’s perspective across industries and where he sees green shoots emerging.
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12:33pm – Anne Lee & Paul Marshall
Dairy Panel
AI and technology on farm and how Southland farmers are putting new tools to work.
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12:48pm – Susan Kilsby
Agricultural Economist
Global markets and how New Zealand’s primary sector can navigate them.
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1:00pm – Show ends