Nathan Guy appointed as New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy

Nathan Guy is the new special agricultural trade envoy.

Dairy farmer and agribusiness leader Nathan Guy is New Zealand’s new special agricultural trade envoy.

Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister of Agriculture, announced Guy’s appointment today.

The role is a key part of the Government’s strategy to strengthen international understanding of New Zealand’s approach to agriculture and primary production, while boosting the performance of agricultural and primary sector exports in global markets.

It supports the Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports within the next decade.

“Nathan Guy’s immediate priorities will be to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production interests from the perspective of a practising farmer,” McClay said.

“I have asked Mr Guy to show particular focus on India and GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] markets, to leverage the opportunities that trade agreements with these countries would present.”

Guy brings extensive experience to the position.

A dairy farmer and agribusiness leader, he is a former Minister for Primary Industries and chairs the Meat Industry Association and Apiculture New Zealand.

He has a strong track record of promoting New Zealand’s producers both domestically and internationally.

McClay said Guy’s background as both a farmer and a former minister made him “uniquely well placed to tell the story of New Zealand’s primary production sector to the world”.

Guy will replace Hamish Marr, who has held the role since 2023.

“Hamish has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural trade interests,” McClay said.

“He has been highly effective in conveying the message that New Zealand agriculture is not a threat to others but rather that we can complement our partners to our mutual advantage.”

Guy will officially take up the role on January 1.