Leaders at top of agritech industry newly announced as joining Boma NZ agri summit

E Tipu: 2021 The Boma Agri Summit welcomes industry leaders and guest speakers Sir Ian Taylor, managing director of Animation Research Ltd, Alexey Rostapshov, head of JD Labs and sustainability at John Deere, and Mavis Mullins MNZM, who will emcee the summit. 

They’ll be bringing with them a diverse wealth of knowledge specialising in future-thinking, innovation and complex technology in agritech. This impactful trio adds to what is already an unrivaled lineup of thought leaders in the agri sector.

Sir Ian Taylor is managing director of Animation Research LTD, one of the top computer animation companies in New Zealand, and co-founder of HyperFarm — a joint initiative with AgResearch which helps landowners design a new future while understanding trade-offs in water quality, finances, carbon sequestration and biodiversity. 

Ian has received numerous awards and honours including being appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012. In 2019 he was inducted into the New Zealand Technology Hall of Fame and named Innovator of the Year at the New Zealander of the Year Awards.

Silicon Valley-based Alexey Rostapshov is head of JD Labs and sustainability at John Deere, leading a team executing cutting-edge advancements in precision agriculture while solving complex technology,  product and business challenges. 

Alexey ensures John Deere itself is operating at a world-class level of sustainability and actively supports the New Zealand agritech industry with board roles at the Nelson AI Institute and CarbonCrop.

Master of ceremonies at E Tipu 2021 is Mavis Mullins MNZM, chair of Ātihau-Whanganui Inc, Taratahi Agricultural Learning Institute and patron of Argi-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT). Having started her career as a fourth-generation shearing contractor, Mavis is a passionate advocate for innovation, the environment and mentorship in Aotearoa’s agriculture sector. 

Her contribution to the primary sector has resulted in many honours and awards including Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2002 for services to the wool Industry. In 2017 Mavis was inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame and awarded Outstanding Māori Business Leader of the year at the Aotearoa Māori Business Leaders Awards.

Held at Christchurch Town Hall on May 11–12, E Tipu 2021 features two days of 20+ local and global speakers, interactive workshops, panels, Q&As, innovative exhibits, cross-sector networking and exclusive Canterbury experiences designed to inspire innovators and create opportunity for better outcomes in New Zealand’s primary industries.

To view the latest E Tipu 2021 speaker line up and ticketing information, visit etipu.boma.global.

E Tipu 2021 is powered by Boma New Zealand, with the support of Foundation Partner Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) taskforce (a coalition including Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and Ministry for Primary Industries) and Host City Partner ChristchurchNZ.

Sir Ian Taylor, Managing director, Animation Research Ltd

Alexey Rostapshov, head of JD Labs and sustainability, John Deere

Mavis Mullins NZNM

Chair, Atihau Whanganui Inc; patron, Agri-Women’s Development Trust