Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Agricultural Scholarship

This scholarship is to honour the contributions to the agricultural sector of New Zealand of the late Dr. Warren Parker.

Warren had an outstanding academic career and was involved at the highest levels of primary sector governance, in both the private and public sectors. As well as Chair of Pāmu, he was former chief executive of Scion (Forest Research Institute) and Manaaki Whenua - Land Care Research, and previously chief operating officer of AgResearch. He held board roles on Genomics Aotearoa, Farmlands Cooperative Society, Predator Free 2050, was chair of the Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group, the NZ Conservation Authority, and recently appointed independent chair of Quayside Holdings.

With a PhD in animal science, Warren was previously professor of Agribusiness and Resource Management at Massey University, where he spent 18 years in various roles including supervising the 9000 SU Riverside Farm in the Wairarapa.

One of Warren’s greatest contributions to agricultural science and farming practices came from his relentless pursuit of innovation. One example is more than three decades ago, when Warren was hosted to a veterinary practice researching biochemical and physiological markers and their use to monitor and manage the lactation of highly producing grass-fed dairy cows on the Waikato. This was very applied research and the results provided deeper understanding of how metabolically challenged many of these animals are. At the time the research helped lift per cow and per ha production on these commercial farms.

Pāmu is the brand name for Landcorp Farming Limited, a State-Owned Enterprise with more than 100 farms across the motu. Pāmu exists to enhance the future of agriculture for generations of New Zealanders to come, return land under Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlements, and produce a financial return. Pāmu is focused on running a profitable and efficient business where farming activities positively impact ecosystems and communities.

We're looking for someone who wishes to pursue a career in agriculture and has experience in participating or leading rural/agricultural community events or clubs, or someone who has experience volunteering in local or national organisations.