Mr Neil Bateup, of Ohinewai, CNZM for services to the rural sector
Mr Neil Bateup has served New Zealand’s rural sector over decades of leadership and was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018. He has continued his involvement as Chairperson of the Waikato Hauraki/Coromandel Rural Support Trust and the New Zealand Rural Support Charitable Trust, which he helped to establish. His work has helped ensure farmers and growers nationwide have a dedicated, confidential and effective support network. He initiated and chairs the Waikato Primary Industry Adverse Events Cluster, bringing together people across the sector along with Civil Defence and welfare agencies. He helped raise more than $3 million in private donations following Cyclone Gabrielle. Mr Bateup was involved with Community Trusts in Care Aotearoa and continues as Chair of the Northern Waikato Veterinary Services Trust Board.