New Zealand Special Agricultural Trade Envoy and Hawke’s Bay farmer Mike Petersen was named as 2018’s Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year in Hamilton last night. The award honours those who make a significant contribution towards making New Zealand world leaders in primary production.

Mike has been involved in leadership positions across the agri-food sector for nearly 20 years. In his role of New Zealand Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, he travels offshore to countries where New Zealand is looking to improve market access and market reputation, acting as an advocate for the dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture and wine industries.

New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators guild president Elaine Fisher described Mike as epitomising all that it is to be a highly effective communicator for the primary industries.

“He has advocated on behalf of sheep and beef farmers, promoted Māori agribusiness, and effectively represents New Zealand’s primary sector on the international stage, all underpinned by his background as an award-winning Hawke’s Bay farmer.

“Taking communications even further, Mike also shares his knowledge and skills with the next generation of leaders through working with Young Farmers, university students, Nuffield and Kellogg scholars. The Guild is pleased to join with Ravensdown in honouring Mike as the 2018 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year,” Elaine said.

Ravensdown General Manager of Innovation and Strategy Mike Manning congratulated Mike on his win and reiterated how important it was to have strong advocacy and communication in the primary sector. 

“With so many issues and vested interests facing the agricultural sector, communication has never been more important. But there are always opportunities to get the message across and to communicate that message well.”

As the 32^nd winner of the Agricultural Communicator of the Year award, Mike receives a $2500 cash prize from Ravensdown alongside the pounamu trophy.

“I would like to thank Ravensdown for their support of the Agricultural communicators award,” said Mike.  “I appreciate the leadership Ravensdown is showing around environmental stewardship - not just selling product but striving to be a trusted and responsible partner in the sector.”