Nuffield Ireland delegates return from a week of insight, inspiration and connection at the Contemporary Scholars Conference last March in Auckland.

Back on home ground, it’s a good time to reflect on an outstanding week last March at the 2025 Nuffield International Contemporary Scholars Conference, brilliantly hosted by Nuffield New Zealand and Rural Leaders NZ.

The programme delivered a rich mix of geopolitical insight, cultural understanding, sectoral innovation, and leadership development — all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most progressive agricultural nations.

A standout moment came from Vangelis Vitalis of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who offered a sharp analysis of New Zealand’s trade policy in today’s turbulent geopolitical climate — marked by rising protectionism and shifting global alliances.

Equally thought-provoking was a presentation by Jess Smith, Deputy CEO of the NZ Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, who explained how the Māori people, unusually for a First Nation, negotiated a land treaty with the Crown in 1840 — a significant historical milestone, though one followed by more than a century of erosion of those rights.

Field visits brought us to the Livestock Improvement Corporation and Dairy NZ research facilities near Hamilton. These organisations are leading work on resource efficiency, nutrient management, and genetic traits in livestock to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience to climate change.

We also engaged in a stimulating, candid discussion with New Zealand dairy industry leaders about the future of dairy in the face of climate regulations and global instability.

A full day in Pukekohe was dedicated to horticulture, with visits to Balle Bros Group, Punchbowl PackCo, and a local vegetable research farm. We also learned how Zespri International has developed global branding strategies and IP protection for premium varieties such as Golden and Ruby Red kiwis, as well as the Rokit apple.

The week closed on a lighter note with the inaugural “Nuffield World Games” — a well-designed team-building challenge — followed by a gala dinner at Fort Takapuna’s Officers’ Mess, where the energy and decibel in the room spoke volumes about the bonds forged over the week.

Our thanks to Nuffield New Zealand and the Rural Leaders team for delivering such a dynamic, thoughtful and energising experience. We return with new ideas, deeper global connections, and a renewed sense of purpose for our work in Irish agriculture.

We look forward to CSC 2026, to be hosted by our colleagues of Nuffield Japan!