Conor has broad experience in government and parliamentary relations, policy, agriculture, exporting, investment, technology, and smart cities. He has represented farmers, New Zealand, and his business at regional, national, and international levels, dealing with Governors, Prime Ministers, and Presidents. He has been an international negotiator and been involved in international forums such as at the United Nations and given speeches in several countries.

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After 6 years as CEO of Federated Farmers of New Zealand, Conor set up his own exporting company Agribusiness New Zealand Ltd. The company focuses on exports and trading, farms systems and technology, and investment. It exports dairy, meat, fish, fruit products as well as live cattle and genetics. It is also involved in farm systems and supply chains, as well as smart city technologies. And it matches investors and assets. It has been involved in countries such as China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, USA, UAE, Australia, Brazil, amongst others.

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Conor is very solutions-focused and brings a mix of strategy, practicality, and pragmatism to any project or issue. He is an outside-the-box thinker and believes that asking ‘dumb’ questions is vital. He has an ability to communicate at all levels and to get things done.

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Having lived in Wellington for 25 years, working in and around government and the public sector in various forms, Conor understands ‘how Wellington works’. He is a regular column writer and commentator.

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Current roles:

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• Cannasouth Plant Research NZ Ltd – Director – a New Zealand based Bio-pharmaceutical dedicated to world-class medical cannabinoid research and development. 

• Agribusiness New Zealand Ltd – Chairman – involved in exporting, farms systems, technology, and investment. 

• GMP Pharmaceuticals Ltd – Director – a manufacturer with over 1000 staff at operations in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, turning over around $250 million. 

• New Zealand E-Sports Foundation – Director – governing body for E-Sports in New Zealand. 

 

Some former roles:

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• Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Independent Advisor – one of only two advisors to the Bank to ensure inflation targets are met and financial stability is maintained for the New Zealand economy. 

• Federated Farmers of New Zealand – Chief Executive Officer – the representative body of New Zealand’s farmers and rural sector.

• The Property Group Ltd – Commercial Director/ Deputy CEO – fast-growing property consultancy with over 100 staff operating in the infrastructure and property sectors.

• New Zealand Property Institute – Chief Executive Officer – the professional body for property professionals including registered valuers.

• Press Secretary and Private secretary to number four Minister in the New Zealand government cabinet.

• Mobil Oil, Medic Aid, National Bank, Farmer, shearer.