CSB - Campbell Parker - DairyNZ CEO

A year in to the job, we find out how Campbell is finding it. 

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Rugby field to the rotary shed. It's the country Sport
Breakfast with Brian Kelly on gold Sport.

Speaker 2 (00:06):
Time to catch up now with the chief executive of
a dairy in z Campbell Parker, who's been in the
job now. I guess it's an anniversary. It's a year
now since he arrived. Dariens Ind, bringing his unique set
of skills and perspectives to the organization, joins us this morning. Campbell,
good morning, how are you? Yeah, very well, thank you.
It doesn't time fly when you're having fun.

Speaker 1 (00:29):
It does, it certainly does. It was actually a year
last Friday, so it's gone very quickly.

Speaker 2 (00:34):
Well, well, let's start by giving us a rundown on
what things you've been most proud of in the year
that you've been with Darien zed.

Speaker 1 (00:44):
Firstly getting stuck in with the board to reset the
strategy and the priorities for Darry's bed. So that's been
a significant shift and a clear choice to focus on
the future challenges that effect the focus while you know
Boulsing also the immediate needs to and that does face
some big challenges, but also opportunities on the horizon and

(01:06):
the day to day farming challenges remain too, but you know,
been clear about you know, what our role is and
how we support farmers. Secondly, it's about you know, building
the relationships across the sector and a real strong focus
around trying to reduce some of the duplication. I firmly
believe we don't need to lead it all, but we
need to work well with others and be clear on

(01:26):
where we're taking the lead, but also where others may
be best place to lead.

Speaker 2 (01:31):
So, Kember, what have been some of the most challenging
things you've had to face.

Speaker 1 (01:36):
It's been a challenging environment economically, I mean, you know
that'll be no surprising any of the listeners. You know,
flat to declining income for farmers, continued inflation, our science
and research co fundings you know, been drying up. And
despite all of that, we've continued to increase out our
science and funding research funding. So you know, we've also

(01:59):
you had that high environment that farmers have had too,
and you know we feel that you know, costs on
farm of increased twenty six percent in the last three years.
You know, pay out fluctuated, you know, farmers carrying the debt.
You know, you know th ose rs been high. You know,
so a lot of those things, you know, are a challenge,
probably on the science funding piece that's a little bit

(02:21):
more specific to us. And you know, we used to
historically be about seventy percent levy fundred and thirty percent
from others and we're now sitting at about eighty five fifteen,
So you know, I mean, it's really clear about what
we do and look at other opportunities as well. But
we've ended our financial year with no debt, flat expenditure

(02:41):
and continued to boost our investment in science and research.
So I think we've balanced that up reasoning well and
what's been a tough economic environment.

Speaker 2 (02:49):
I have to agree with that. They're looking ahead, then, Campbell,
what does success for darian said look like for you
and you know in the future.

Speaker 1 (02:57):
So success for darien Z looks like a really clear
focus on delivering value for farmers every day. So we
are an industry good organization and our funding comes primary
from the levee that farmers pay us. So we need
to make sure that we make the levy the best
investment of every New Zealand very farmer. We need to
ensure farmers remain profitable. Profits are real close second to

(03:20):
oxygen because it gives your choices. We need to continue
to develop science back solutions that can be adopted at
a farm systems leveled by our farmers. We need to
help showcase what's possible and help farmers learn from other
farmers through the events and extension activities we run. And
we also need to have these strong and respective partnerships

(03:42):
that I mentioned earlier to amplify thereing Z's impact. And
we also need to be really clear in that science
and research pace of holding the capability and expertise that
we need to solve for some of those complex challenges,
but also making sure we use our science and research
and the data we have to inform pragmatic and enduring policy,

(04:03):
you know, with policymakers as well.

Speaker 2 (04:05):
Well well done, Campbell. I think darian Zi's in good hands.
Chief Executive of Derry in Z Campbell Parker, thank you
for joining us. Mate, Well done, Thanks Brian, no problems
and happy elev