A Taranaki woman is the new chair of a national organisation.
Jessie Waite, a former Stratford Press journalist, is the new chair of New Zealand Young Farmers. The 30-year-old, who lives in Inglewood, says she is looking forward to taking on the challenge of the role.
"I'm very excited. Being elected to the board was one thing, and getting to chair it is another. I'm very stoked I have the opportunity. I'm really looking forward to the next 12 months working with the board, NZYF national office and members who are our key stakeholders. It's going to be exciting, but also quite challenging which I think is a good balance."
Jessie grew up in Taranaki, spending her teenage years in Lepperton. While she didn't live on a farm herself, she says living in a rural community like Lepperton meant she was naturally involved with farm life.
"I spent a lot of time at my neighbours' place feeding out and shifting breaks. I was 16 when I began taking interest in the primary sector. When you live in Taranaki you grow up around rural."