July 08, 2013
Miraka chair wins agribusiness award
Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Chair Kingi Smiler has picked up a major accolade at the Vodafone/Federated Farmers' Cream of the Crop Awards, being named Agri Business Person of the year.
The shortlist included Landcorp Chief executive Chris Kelly and Dr John Baker, the inventor of Baker No-Tillage.
Federated Farmers President Bruce Wills says Mr Smiler’s gifted business leadership of the Mangakino-based incorporation, which is a founding shareholder in Māori dairy company Miraka, saw him emerge as first.
The former Ernst & Young partner is also chair of Tairawhiti Land Development Trust and a director of Mangatu Incorporation, the Wi Pere Trust and Wellington Rugby Union.
The Agri Business Person of the year is former Fonterra Co-operative group chairman, Sir Henry Van Der Heyden, who now chairs Tainui Group Holdings.
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