Kate has a genuine passion for governance within the agricultural sector, and she has proven governance experience from a community to a national level. As a qualified lawyer Kate has a strong focus on detail, as well the ability to see the wider picture. Having worked with businesses from rural Wales to Mid Canterbury, this developed her understanding of the broader implications of decisions on businesses as well as individual ones. These skills Kate considers vital at this time of political and economic uncertainty for the agricultural sector.
Kate and her husband have been contract milking in Mid Canterbury for the past six seasons. This has ensured she has developed good knowledge of the needs of the industry and the local farming community.
Kate’s desire to give back has been driven by her daughter having Turner Syndrome, which led to her becoming not only a treasurer on the national board but also creating a governance structure, writing a new constitution, policies, and procedures along with implementing financial systems. Her grounding in agriculture, backed with her governance and legal experiences makes her an excellent fit for the Ruralco board. Kate is passionate that Ruralco should be a co-operative that is run by farmers for farmers.