Meet Kain Nixon, the Agri Futures Secondary School Teacher Advisory Board Chair. Kain’s passion for agricultural and horticultural science is evident in his highly qualified and experienced career as an educator. He holds a Masters of Teaching and Learning with Merit (Secondary Specialist) from Massey University, and a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science and Geography.
As teacher in charge of his school’s AgHort Committee, Kain has played an instrumental role in the success of various extra-curricular activities such as beekeeping, Teen Ag, New Zealand Rural Games, Agri Futures, Clash of the Colleges, and the North Island Secondary School Shearing Championships. Kain’s expertise in primary industries and science has been a valuable asset in promoting agricultural and horticultural education among secondary school students.
Kain’s leadership abilities shine through his role as the Assistant Head of Science at Feilding High School, Junior Vice President on the Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers’ Association (HATA) Executive, his contract work with NZQA, and as HUB Leader for the Manawatū, where he has successfully promoted agricultural education in schools and facilitated connections between schools and the industry. He is also the New Zealand Rural Games Trust Schools Liaison, co-ordinating schools for the Agri Futures and Clash of the Colleges competitions while providing a school perspective to the New Zealand Rural Games Trust.
Kain’s extensive knowledge and experience make him a highly valued asset to the education sector. With his passion for agricultural education and his commitment to promoting the next generation of agricultural leaders, Kain is an invaluable asset to our Agri Futures Secondary School Teacher Advisory Board.
Meet Melanie Simmons, an experienced educator and agribusiness advisor with a passion for promoting agricultural education in New Zealand. With over 15 years of classroom teaching experience, Melanie is a valuable member of the Agri Futures Secondary Teachers Advisory Board for the Upper North Island.
Melanie’s impressive educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Massey University, a Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), and a Certificate in Rural Analysis from Telford Rural Polytechnic. She has also taken on various roles with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
In addition to her work with NZQA, Melanie is committed to promoting agribusiness education in schools. She has worked closely with principals, heads of faculty, and classroom teachers to introduce the new Agribusiness standards into schools, and has facilitated teacher professional development, created sector support, and moderated teacher tasks and student work. She has also played a key role in developing achievement standards, schemes, and resources for Agribusiness, as well as Agricultural and Horticultural Science Years 9-13.
With her vast experience and knowledge of the primary industry, Melanie is a valuable asset to any school or organisation seeking to promote agribusiness education in Aotearoa.
Meet Dallas Pahiri, an accomplished education professional with many skills and expertise. As a strong written and oral communicator, Dallas has authored several major research papers, showcasing her exceptional communication abilities.
With extensive experience in facilitation and leadership, Dallas has held prominent roles, such as the Head of Te Reo Māori/Agribusiness at Rathkeale College and the Head of the Accounting Department at Feilding High School. She has also served on various panels and led educational tours, demonstrating her aptitude for guiding and inspiring teams.
Dallas’s teaching career spans multiple subjects and schools, including Rathkeale College, Feilding High School, St John’s College, William Colenso College, and St Stephen’s School. She is highly knowledgeable in Agribusiness, Business Studies, Te Reo Māori, Economics, and more.
Beyond academia, Dallas is an avid researcher, having contributed to studies on topics such as Hapū and Science Providers, workload issues of Māori secondary school teachers, and ethnographic projects. She has also displayed exceptional administrative skills as an advisor to cultural groups and as a budget-conscious department head.
With a commitment to holistic development, Dallas actively engages in volunteer work as a sports coach and manager. From basketball to netball, football to rugby, her leadership has positively impacted teams and individuals.
Dallas is pursuing a Bachelor of Accountancy at Massey University, further enhancing her knowledge and capabilities. Her educational background includes a Master of Arts Degree in Education with First Class Honours, a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma of Teaching, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
With her diverse skill set, extensive experience, and passion for education, Dallas is a remarkable individual who provides significant value to the advisory board.
Meet Liam Smith, our South Island representative on the Agri Futures Secondary Teachers Advisory Board. Liam has a passion for educating the next generation of food and fibre leaders and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field.
Liam attended Lincoln University where he earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and was a Future Leader Scholar. He also attended Oregon State University and earned a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary). Liam’s qualifications don’t stop there – he’s been recognized for his leadership skills with a course from St. Andrew’s College and has earned various scholarships, including the Sir Arthur Simms Scholarship and Jeff Farm Salvation Army Scholarship.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Liam has gained valuable practical experience in the field. He has worked as a dairy farm assistant and a graduate intern at the Foundation for Arable Research. These roles have allowed Liam to develop skills such as communication, leadership, and time management, which he now brings to his role as an Agriculture and Science Teacher at St. Andrew’s College.
Liam is a valuable member of the Agri Futures Advisory Board and a rising star in the field of agriculture education.
Meet Daniel O’Regan, our secretary, he’s also the General Manager of Agri Futures and brings a unique blend of expertise in agriculture, education, marketing, and event management to our team. With over 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and events. Daniel is an award-winning public relations specialist who has run his own consultancy for over a decade. He is committed to using his expertise to promote and advance the food and fibre industry in Aotearoa to rangatahi.
As an accredited member of the Public Relations Institute of NZ and a former editor, Daniel possesses a wealth of knowledge and skills that make him a valuable asset to our organisation. He has worked with prestigious institutions such as UCOL Te Pūkenga, The Riddet Institute, and Massey University where he supported the establishment of FoodHQ.
Born and raised on a sheep, beef, deer, forestry and goldmine farm in the Inangahua Valley on the Tai Poutini | West Coast, Daniel has an impressive track record that includes leading the Agri Futures pilot with MPI, managed successful marketing, communications, and sponsorship campaigns for prominent events such as the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games, Norwood NZ Rural Sports Awards, Clash of the Colleges, the South Island Agricultural Field Days, and the South Island Farmer of the Year Marketing Manager. In 2012, Daniel won the PRINZ Supreme Award for his work with the Student Volunteer Army following the Christchurch earthquakes.