Acclaimed professor, agribusiness maverick and kiwi entrepreneur join E Tipu 2022 lineup

Since 2019, 68 primary sector powerhouses from across Aotearoa and the world have taken the summit stage to share mind-blowing insights, ignite vital conversations, and help shape the future of Aotearoa’s primary industries.

Here are the latest confirmed speakers for E Tipu 2022.

Caroline Saunders has long been engaged in research on the economics of agriculture, with a particular focus on sustainable, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing. She is a professor of Trade and Environmental Economics and director of the Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit at Lincoln University.

Her research spans a wide range of private and public bodies, industries and sector groups, both within Aotearoa and abroad — including the EU commission, Fonterra, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and more. She is a Crown appointee on the board of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and a member of the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee. In 2020, Caroline was appointed to the board of Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand.

Joining Caroline is entrepreneur, outdoor enthusiast, and founder of WoolAid Ltd. Lucas Smith (Ngāi Tahu). Tired of picking up plastic plasters on trails while working as a mountain guide on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, an idea for a sustainable solution sparked in his mind. The WoolAid bandage is made of 100% hyperfine merino wool, making it naturally biodegradable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and highly breathable.

Lucas is hyper-aware of the detrimental effects plastic has on our environment. Woolaids are tested in the toughest outdoor conditions like the Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska, and the GODZone NZ multisport race. They’re built for the wilds and designed to return to the earth. Using kiwi-ingenuity and innovative design, his work disrupts the stagnant market of ubiquitous plastic-derived plasters and bandages.

Also joining the E Tipu 2022 speaker lineup is Prime Future founder Janette Barnard. Janette provides meaningful solutions to big problems in the animal protein value chain. Through Prime Future, she shares invaluable insights geared towards innovators in the primary sector aimed to elevate conversations on trends and opportunities in animal protein.

Janette draws from her background in agribusiness and the startup ecosystem as a founder, executive in a venture-backed company, and now as associate director of US-based Merck Animal Health Ventures. In this role, she has a front-row seat to the evolution of how technology is transforming livestock production and solving real problems for livestock producers.

Our primary industries are front and centre for every major conversation to be had about the critical issues shaping our future. Supporting Aotearoa’s food and fibre ecosystem to thrive in our changing world, E Tipu gathers experts in food and fibre to explore trends, advance cross-sector innovation, and accelerate positive change. You can book ahead for 21-22 June with confidence with our comprehensive COVID-safe plan and refund policy in place.

To view the latest E Tipu 2022 speaker lineup and ticketing information, visit etipu.boma.global

E Tipu 2022 is powered by Boma New Zealand, with the support from Host City Partner ChristchurchNZ.

Dr. Caroline Saunders ONZM, MNZM
Professor and director, AERU, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Lucas Smith (Ngāi Tahu)
Founder, Wool+Aid

Boma New ZealandApril 6, 2022