A cross industry online portal is needed in the primary sector to provide a leadership pathway for young leaders in industry good and non-profit organisations, according to a new study.
New Zealand Young Farmers field officer Casey Huffstutler recently completed a project for the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme in which she looked at solutions to a professionalism shortage in primary sector governance.
Ms Huffstutler said every year thousands of people volunteered their time in leadership roles in the primary industry, but there was no specific industry information to provide a pathway for individuals to allow them to take the next step.
"There needs to be a one stop shop website of information on what is available to up and coming leaders of tomorrow that want to make a difference in the rural communities of New Zealand."
As non-profit and industry good organisations require ever increasing levels of professionalism, it was vital that such a link was created, she said.
"From the survey undertaken it was clear that a platform that shows short job descriptions and information on how to get involved from an entry to a high level of governance was needed."
It was apparent that key organisations that rely on volunteer governance within the primary sector hadn't considered the influence that internet and social media could play in filling those roles, she said.
"And we could be missing the opportunity to engage the Millennials if we don't use our online presence better."
NZ Young Farmers CEO Terry Copeland said Ms Huffstutler's project highlighted an important issue within the primary industry.
"Within our own organisation we have hundreds of members holding leadership positions and showing them a clear pathway towards higher governance has been a priority, but we haven't collaborated with other sector organisations to share those pathways.
"Casey has identified a clear need for an online pathway and it's something we would support her in developing.
• For more information contact Casey Huffstutler on 027 2130043 or email casey.huffstutler@youngfarmers.co.nz