Episodes
71
Latest episode
Sep 2026
Language
EN
Kia ora, you’ve joined the 'Ideas that Grow’ podcast - brought to you by Rural Leaders. In this series we’ll be drawing on the insights from innovative rural leaders, to help plant ideas that grow, so our regions can flourish. Ideas That Grow is presented in association with Farmer's Weekly. All guests are arranged by Rural Leaders, whose mission is to grow world class leaders through the Nuffield NZ Farming Scholarship and Kellogg Rural Leadership programme.
What happens when grassroots catchment groups suddenly find themselves responsible for millions of dollars, complex governance and growing expectations? Di Roadley, 2026 Kellogg Scholar, explores the leadership challenges facing New Zealand’s catchment groups, from succession and funding to trust, capability and the importance of playing the long game.
Grace McLeay, 2023 Kellogg Scholar, farmer and Bioeconomy Science Institute commercialisation specialist, discusses turning science into practical outcomes for farmers. She explores climate adaptation, farm resilience, diversification and the challenge of getting research into the hands of farmers. Grace also reflects on leadership, self-awareness and the lasting impact of Kellogg.
From surviving PSA to studying biosecurity around the world, 2018 Nuffield Scholar Simon Cook shares how stepping beyond the farm gate broadened his perspective, strengthened his leadership, and reinforced the importance of preparing industries for tomorrow's challenges.
Ethan Gillespie discusses his experience of the 2025 Horticulture New Zealand Leadership Programme; how it broadened his understanding of leadership, advocacy, and strategic decision-making. He shares insights into his own leadership development, industry collaboration, and the pathways available for emerging leaders in New Zealand's horticulture sector.
In this Ideas that Grow Podcast, Murray King, 2003 Nuffield Scholar and Rural Leaders Board Board member, talks to Bryan Gibson Managing Editor at Farmers Weekly, and shares his journey from horticulture and the 1980s agricultural downturn, through farm management consultancy in South Canterbury, to running the family farm in Nelson and chairing organisations including LIC. Now on the selection side of the table two decades after his own scholarship, Murray reflects on what 75 years of Nuffield has meant for New Zealand agribusiness, why stepping away from your business is the point rather than the cost, and the advice he offers anyone weighing it up: the busiest people are the ones who can least afford not to apply.
Kate Tomlinson, Mackenzie Charitable Foundation Scholarship winner, talks to Bryan Gibson Managing Editor at Farmers Weekly, and shares her journey from a UK farm to New Zealand, where Kate now blends practical farming with sustainability and data insights in her role with Map of Ag. As a current Kellogg Programme participant, Kate is set to research cultural diversity in Canterbury’s dairy workforce. This podcast highlights curiosity, a global perspective, and the value of structured leadership development in shaping future rural leaders.
Alice Rule, Hawke’s Bay winemaker and 2019 Kellogg Scholar, discusses her journey from a Bay of Islands farm to the wine industry, her circular glass economy research, leadership lessons from Kellogg, and balancing entrepreneurship, rural advisory work, and family amid uncertain wine markets.
In this episode of the Ideas That Grow Podcast, 2025 Kellogg Scholar Tim Orlando-Reep shares how his Waikato beef farm integrates carbon forestry, biodiversity ambitions and catchment collaboration. While pine credits stack up financially, his research through the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme explores how native plantings can balance profitability with environmental impacts.
In this episode of Ideas That Grow, Farmers Weekly managing editor Bryan Gibson speaks with Lisa Rogers, outgoing CEO of Rural Leaders. Lisa reflects on her nine-year tenure, the evolution of Rural Leaders, and the enduring impact of flagship programmes like Kellogg and Nuffield. She explores how leadership development, collaboration, and a strong alumni network have helped shape confident, capable leaders across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
In this episode of Ideas That Grow, Bryan Gibson, Farmers Weekly Managing Editor, talks to Dr. Victoria Westbrooke, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Land Management and Systems at Lincoln University. Victoria discusses the Engage Programme , a three-day professional development initiative run in partnership between Lincoln University and Rural Leaders, designed to bridge the gap between agribusiness professionals and on-farm realities.Victoria offers insight into why providing contextual farm knowledge to technology specialists, researchers, environmental professionals, and policy-makers is crucial for helping them apply their expertise effectively.
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Alexander Spencer
