The Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions plays a key role in efforts to lower New Zealand's agricultural emissions.
What we'll do
The Centre will accelerate the research, development, and commercialisation of tools and technology to reduce emissions.
It will also:
- unite efforts to accelerate research and development
- get new tools, technology, and practices to lower on-farm emissions to farmers faster
- complement the work being done through the He Waka Eke Noa partnership
- include mātauranga-based approaches to support whenua Māori owners with climate change mitigation.
It will have two key components - the Centre for Climate Action Joint Venture, and and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC).
Centre for Climate Action Joint Venture
The Centre for Climate Action Joint Venture is one of two key components of the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions.
It will drive a targeted research and development programme, support the pathway and uptake of new tools and technologies, and develop partnerships and raise funds to finance the development of potential solutions to reduce agricultural emissions.
As part of the joint venture the Government is partnering with ANZCO Foods, Fonterra, Rabobank, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms, and Synlait. Other partners are expected to join over time.
The joint venture is a 50:50 long-term partnership with industry partners investing up to $50 million a year, which will be matched by Government.
Partners in the new joint venture have made an indicative funding commitment that will rise to around $35 million a year by 2025, matched by Government. This will see around $170 million invested over the first four years and that is expected to grow over time as new partners come on board.
Executive Director Wayne McNee
Wayne McNee is a business consultant specialising in leadership, strategy and sustainability. He works across the agribusiness and health sectors. He has also held a number of directorship roles. Wayne is the former Chief Executive/Director General of PHARMAC, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and the Livestock Improvement Corporation. Wayne completed a Pharmacy Degree at the University of Otago, and has studied leadership, strategy and business transformation at Oxford, Stanford, Insead, and IMD business schools.
Board Chairman Sir Brian Roche
Sir Brian Roche (KNZM) has extensive experience as a director in both the public and private sectors. He has a long career initially as a senior partner at PWC followed by a time as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Post Group. Brian has worked across a wide range of areas across the economy including Treaty Settlements, Professional Sport, Transport, Defence, Property Development, and Health. Brian was Knighted in 2017 for his services to the State and business.
Director Jessie Chan
Jessie Chan (MNZM) has broad governance experience and strong commercial acumen, with experience in a range of relevant fields including a science background, agritech experience, and electricity distribution. She also has strong experience with Maori engagement in science and investment portfolios.
Director Sir Neville Jordan
Sir Neville Jordan (KNZM) has extensive understanding of the primary sector, having held a number of governance and executive roles in the industry over many years. He has wide experience in public, government and private settings, proven financial and commercial acumen both in New Zealand and overseas public and private institutions. This includes start up and investment decision-making. Sir Neville is well respected and holds considerable mana across private and public environments.
Director Greg Murison
Greg Murison has over 30 years’ experience in the R&D sector as a researcher and director on Boards and sector bodies, including the agriculture sector. He has a strong understanding of the Research Science and Innovation system and the process from knowledge creation to commercialisation. He is solutions focused and with emphasis on need to engage with different stakeholders and work with all parties.
Director Fraser Whineray
Fraser Whineray has very strong governance and commercial acumen, primary sector expertise and stakeholder experience. He has worked for the Dairy Board, and for Fonterra in a number of roles. Fraser was GM Operation for Mighty River Power then Chief Executive of Mercury Energy NZ. He is currently Chief Operating Officer of Fonterra. He has held a number of governance roles.
New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC)
The NZAGRC’s goal is to discover, develop and make available practical and cost-effective technologies and practices for New Zealand farmers and growers to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
It is a core component of the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions and is a key part of the Government’s approach to understanding and managing greenhouse gases from agriculture. The NZAGRC was created in 2009 to build on existing research, partnering with others to bring cost-effective, simple solutions to New Zealand farms and contribute world-leading results to the international science community.
