Latest news with #AdvocateoftheYear
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Five Farmer Advocates Recognised For Outstanding Service
Five grassroots champions for Kiwi farmers have been recognised for their massive contributions to agriculture, winning awards at the Federated Farmers national AGM last week. Each year, the organisation's national awards celebrate farmers who have gone above and beyond for their fellow farmers, rural communities, and the wider agricultural sector. Outgoing Federated Farmers board member Richard McIntyre was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution - a fitting conclusion to his three-year term as national dairy chair. "Richard has been an absolute titan of farmer advocacy and rural New Zealand is in a better place because of his work," Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says. "He's relentlessly stood up for our members when it counted, pushing hard for a banking inquiry, better immigration settings, and KiwiSaver changes for young farmers. "I don't think there would have been a single week where we didn't see him in the media, fighting hard to change the political landscape for farming families. "There's no fight he hasn't been willing to take on, his work rate has been phenomenal, and most importantly for our members, he's delivered tangible results." The Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick, who has been a standout communicator on behalf of farmers. "When it comes to emerging farming leaders, Jason Herrick is without a doubt one to watch. He's got a huge contribution to make and a big future ahead of him," Langford says. "Whether it's calling out Fish & Game's antics or pushing back on unworkable, costly new farming rules, Jason's exemplified what Federated Farmers is all about - fighting for farmers. "I've been so impressed with not just his workload and ability to prosecute issues in the media, but also with his personal growth and development as a leader in his community. "He's been tenacious and articulate, and he's shown a thick skin. You can't stick your neck out for farmers without copping some heat back, but he's taken it all in his stride." James (Jimmy) Emmett, who is contract milking on two farms just outside Geraldine, has been named Dairy Advocate of the Year. "Jimmy has been an incredibly valuable member of our dairy council - he brings strong ideas and opinions, but always contributes in a collaborative, respectful way," Langford says. "He's thoughtful and constructive in discussions about the challenges facing the dairy sector, offering practical solutions while genuinely listening to the perspectives of others. "At a local level, as South Canterbury Federated Farmers dairy chair, Jimmy has been such a great advocate for farmers at the grassroots. "He consistently goes out of his way to seek support and advice for those doing it tough and he puts in the work to make a real difference in their lives." This year's Meat & Wool Advocate of the Year is Matt Simpson, a third-generation sheep and beef farmer on a 4100ha high country station in South Canterbury. Langford says Matt, who is South Canterbury Federated Farmers meat & wool co-chair, is a passionate and effective leader in his community. "Matt's been instrumental in the pest management space, especially on wallaby eradication, and has been a driving force in getting better coordination between farmers, landowners, recreational hunters and government. "He's also had a massive amount to do in South Canterbury on the court case around Outstanding National Landscapes (ONLs) being placed over farms. "He and his wife Tory have put in a huge amount of time and effort on mediation, and the positive outcome of that will lay the groundwork for other provinces. "In all of it, Matt's just an absolute champion in his community, where he's deeply respected for being such a pillar among farming families." The Arable Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers arable chair Sonia Dillon, who operates a mixed cropping and seed production business. Langford says Sonia has been extremely strong on local advocacy. "There are some issues in Southland that are quite specific for that area and she's great at getting them airtime and discussion. "That's particularly true when it comes to transportation and logistics, with Southland being at the bottom of the country. "She's pointed out that if it costs $60 to get something from Christchurch to Southland, how come grain that comes from Canterbury can be cheaper than it's priced in Southland? It's a fair point. The price should be what it costs to buy, plus freight - that's how it should work." Sonia is also a great asset for the Federated Farmers Arable Council, Langford says. "She's always happy to bring challenging issues to the forefront, so the council can look for solutions."
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Charles joined by David Beckham and Meryl Streep to celebrate award winners
Charles joined by David Beckham and Meryl Streep to celebrate award winners Charles met David Beckham, Stanley Tucci and Penny Lancaster, all King's Foundation ambassadors, alongside friends of the charitable body, Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep, at the St James's Palace awards ceremony David Beckham shakes hands with Britain's King Charles III as they attend the King's Foundation Awards ceremony, on the 35th anniversary of The King's Foundation, at St James's Palace (Image: Getty Images ) The King has been joined by a host of stars to celebrate the achievements of young talent and senior figures recognised by his foundation. Charles met David Beckham, Stanley Tucci and Penny Lancaster, all King's Foundation ambassadors, alongside friends of the charitable body, Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep, at the St James's Palace awards ceremony. Prizes including Young Entrepreneur and Advocate of the Year were presented by the celebrities including the King Charles III Harmony Award, recognising a long-term commitment to the foundation's mission of creating a world where people, places and the planet can live in harmony. Charles met his foundation's famous supporters and award winners before touring stands showcasing the charity's work, and Winslet smiled as she told him: "Don't worry, I'll be all in – I've got your back." Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc hailed the King for his campaigning over the decades on issues like communities, sustainability and traditional crafts that underpin the foundation, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. His ITV series Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens took him to palaces like Hampton Court and Hillsborough, as well as Highgrove House and the Castle of Mey – places Charles calls home. Article continues below Blanc, a foundation ambassador, said after meeting Charles: "I think what the King has done is extraordinary. He's done it for many, many years – from the 1970s, about the same time I arrived in England – and my values are his values. "There's a deep belief in connecting human beings with communities, with agriculture, with sustainability, management of waste, management of energy, and he has done it for the last 45, 50 years." Speaking about filming at the King's Scottish retreat, the Castle of Mey, which once belonged to his grandmother the Queen Mother, Blanc added: "I really believe he got all his values seeing his grandma in this beautiful space. "So natural, close to the sea, at the tip of Scotland where there was such a reservoir of natural things." Blanc's words were echoed by Penny Lancaster who praised the monarch for creating the awards and highlighting the needs of the planet throughout his adult life. She added: "The King may have been accused of hugging trees and people thinking he was mad when he started talking about the environment all that time ago, but he was at the forefront then and now has been proved right with everything he said and now we're all just trying to play catch up. "I really recognise the beauty in the way he is trying to get us on board with his knowledge and if we can pass that on to the younger generation, and save some of the traditional skills like we've seen with these winners today, we can all be a part of making a difference." The King's Foundation, previously known as The Prince's Foundation following an amalgamation of Charles' charities which stretch back to 1990, aims to "advocate for the change His Majesty wants to see in the world". The Emerging Talent prize was presented by Beckham, the former England football captain rumoured to be knighted soon, to Emily Hurst who has shown exceptional talent and commitment while on a King's Foundation programme. Article continues below She recently completed the Chanel and King's Foundation Metiers d'Art Fellowship in Millinery, based at Highgrove Gardens after she had become fascinated with the heritage craft of straw braiding and began learning to produce hats from the material. She said: "Working at Highgrove was absolutely the best place to be, surrounded by so much inspiration from His Majesty's garden and learning from some of the best milliners with country, I'm so incredibly honoured."
South Wales Guardian
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Charles joined by David Beckham and Meryl Streep to celebrate award winners
Charles met David Beckham, Stanley Tucci and Penny Lancaster, all King's Foundation ambassadors, alongside friends of the charitable body, Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep, at the St James's Palace awards ceremony. Prizes including Young Entrepreneur and Advocate of the Year were presented by the celebrities including the King Charles III Harmony Award, recognising a long-term commitment to the foundation's mission of creating a world where people, places and the planet can live in harmony. Charles met his foundation's famous supporters and award winners before touring stands showcasing the charity's work, and Winslet smiled as she told him: 'Don't worry, I'll be all in – I've got your back.' Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc hailed the King for his campaigning over the decades on issues like communities, sustainability and traditional crafts that underpin the foundation, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. His ITV series Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens took him to palaces like Hampton Court and Hillsborough, as well as Highgrove House and the Castle of Mey – places Charles calls home. Blanc, a foundation ambassador, said after meeting Charles: 'I think what the King has done is extraordinary. He's done it for many, many years – from the 1970s, about the same time I arrived in England – and my values are his values. 'There's a deep belief in connecting human beings with communities, with agriculture, with sustainability, management of waste, management of energy, and he has done it for the last 45, 50 years.' Speaking about filming at the King's Scottish retreat, the Castle of Mey, which once belonged to his grandmother the Queen Mother, Blanc added: 'I really believe he got all his values seeing his grandma in this beautiful space. 'So natural, close to the sea, at the tip of Scotland where there was such a reservoir of natural things.' Blanc's words were echoed by Penny Lancaster who praised the monarch for creating the awards and highlighting the needs of the planet throughout his adult life. She added: 'The King may have been accused of hugging trees and people thinking he was mad when he started talking about the environment all that time ago, but he was at the forefront then and now has been proved right with everything he said and now we're all just trying to play catch up. 'I really recognise the beauty in the way he is trying to get us on board with his knowledge and if we can pass that on to the younger generation, and save some of the traditional skills like we've seen with these winners today, we can all be a part of making a difference.' The King's Foundation, previously known as The Prince's Foundation following an amalgamation of Charles' charities which stretch back to 1990, aims to 'advocate for the change His Majesty wants to see in the world'. The Emerging Talent prize was presented by Beckham, the former England football captain rumoured to be knighted soon, to Emily Hurst who has shown exceptional talent and commitment while on a King's Foundation programme. She recently completed the Chanel and King's Foundation Metiers d'Art Fellowship in Millinery, based at Highgrove Gardens after she had become fascinated with the heritage craft of straw braiding and began learning to produce hats from the material. She said: 'Working at Highgrove was absolutely the best place to be, surrounded by so much inspiration from His Majesty's garden and learning from some of the best milliners with country, I'm so incredibly honoured.'
North Wales Chronicle
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Charles joined by David Beckham and Meryl Streep to celebrate award winners
Charles met David Beckham, Stanley Tucci and Penny Lancaster, all King's Foundation ambassadors, alongside friends of the charitable body, Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep, at the St James's Palace awards ceremony. Prizes including Young Entrepreneur and Advocate of the Year were presented by the celebrities including the King Charles III Harmony Award, recognising a long-term commitment to the foundation's mission of creating a world where people, places and the planet can live in harmony. Charles met his foundation's famous supporters and award winners before touring stands showcasing the charity's work, and Winslet smiled as she told him: 'Don't worry, I'll be all in – I've got your back.' Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc hailed the King for his campaigning over the decades on issues like communities, sustainability and traditional crafts that underpin the foundation, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. His ITV series Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens took him to palaces like Hampton Court and Hillsborough, as well as Highgrove House and the Castle of Mey – places Charles calls home. Blanc, a foundation ambassador, said after meeting Charles: 'I think what the King has done is extraordinary. He's done it for many, many years – from the 1970s, about the same time I arrived in England – and my values are his values. 'There's a deep belief in connecting human beings with communities, with agriculture, with sustainability, management of waste, management of energy, and he has done it for the last 45, 50 years.' Speaking about filming at the King's Scottish retreat, the Castle of Mey, which once belonged to his grandmother the Queen Mother, Blanc added: 'I really believe he got all his values seeing his grandma in this beautiful space. 'So natural, close to the sea, at the tip of Scotland where there was such a reservoir of natural things.' Blanc's words were echoed by Penny Lancaster who praised the monarch for creating the awards and highlighting the needs of the planet throughout his adult life. She added: 'The King may have been accused of hugging trees and people thinking he was mad when he started talking about the environment all that time ago, but he was at the forefront then and now has been proved right with everything he said and now we're all just trying to play catch up. 'I really recognise the beauty in the way he is trying to get us on board with his knowledge and if we can pass that on to the younger generation, and save some of the traditional skills like we've seen with these winners today, we can all be a part of making a difference.' The King's Foundation, previously known as The Prince's Foundation following an amalgamation of Charles' charities which stretch back to 1990, aims to 'advocate for the change His Majesty wants to see in the world'. The Emerging Talent prize was presented by Beckham, the former England football captain rumoured to be knighted soon, to Emily Hurst who has shown exceptional talent and commitment while on a King's Foundation programme. She recently completed the Chanel and King's Foundation Metiers d'Art Fellowship in Millinery, based at Highgrove Gardens after she had become fascinated with the heritage craft of straw braiding and began learning to produce hats from the material. She said: 'Working at Highgrove was absolutely the best place to be, surrounded by so much inspiration from His Majesty's garden and learning from some of the best milliners with country, I'm so incredibly honoured.'
Rhyl Journal
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Charles joined by David Beckham and Meryl Streep to celebrate award winners
Charles met David Beckham, Stanley Tucci and Penny Lancaster, all King's Foundation ambassadors, alongside friends of the charitable body, Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep, at the St James's Palace awards ceremony. Prizes including Young Entrepreneur and Advocate of the Year were presented by the celebrities including the King Charles III Harmony Award, recognising a long-term commitment to the foundation's mission of creating a world where people, places and the planet can live in harmony. Charles met his foundation's famous supporters and award winners before touring stands showcasing the charity's work, and Winslet smiled as she told him: 'Don't worry, I'll be all in – I've got your back.' Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc hailed the King for his campaigning over the decades on issues like communities, sustainability and traditional crafts that underpin the foundation, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. His ITV series Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens took him to palaces like Hampton Court and Hillsborough, as well as Highgrove House and the Castle of Mey – places Charles calls home. Blanc, a foundation ambassador, said after meeting Charles: 'I think what the King has done is extraordinary. He's done it for many, many years – from the 1970s, about the same time I arrived in England – and my values are his values. 'There's a deep belief in connecting human beings with communities, with agriculture, with sustainability, management of waste, management of energy, and he has done it for the last 45, 50 years.' Speaking about filming at the King's Scottish retreat, the Castle of Mey, which once belonged to his grandmother the Queen Mother, Blanc added: 'I really believe he got all his values seeing his grandma in this beautiful space. 'So natural, close to the sea, at the tip of Scotland where there was such a reservoir of natural things.' Blanc's words were echoed by Penny Lancaster who praised the monarch for creating the awards and highlighting the needs of the planet throughout his adult life. She added: 'The King may have been accused of hugging trees and people thinking he was mad when he started talking about the environment all that time ago, but he was at the forefront then and now has been proved right with everything he said and now we're all just trying to play catch up. 'I really recognise the beauty in the way he is trying to get us on board with his knowledge and if we can pass that on to the younger generation, and save some of the traditional skills like we've seen with these winners today, we can all be a part of making a difference.' The King's Foundation, previously known as The Prince's Foundation following an amalgamation of Charles' charities which stretch back to 1990, aims to 'advocate for the change His Majesty wants to see in the world'. The Emerging Talent prize was presented by Beckham, the former England football captain rumoured to be knighted soon, to Emily Hurst who has shown exceptional talent and commitment while on a King's Foundation programme. She recently completed the Chanel and King's Foundation Metiers d'Art Fellowship in Millinery, based at Highgrove Gardens after she had become fascinated with the heritage craft of straw braiding and began learning to produce hats from the material. She said: 'Working at Highgrove was absolutely the best place to be, surrounded by so much inspiration from His Majesty's garden and learning from some of the best milliners with country, I'm so incredibly honoured.'
