She will consolidate and develop links with the wider agriculture sector in the region which she says is agribusiness heartland.

“The Waikato really is agribusiness heartland, close to the HQs for Zespri, Fonterra, Ravensdown, Ballance, TruTest and Gallaghers among others -- and the University does a lot more with agribusiness than people realise,” says Dr Rowarth,

“My role will be to create links across the value-innovation chain. It’s a concept that’s been embraced by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise which is currently doing a lot of work on how to make improvements for the benefit of New Zealand.

“Waikato University is already ahead of the game in establishing an agribusiness focus, and we’re now aiming to create a step-change not only in the industry, but also in the understanding of what WMS can do for and with businesses.”

Dean of Waikato Management School, Professor Frank Scrimgeour, says the appointment of Dr Rowarth to spearhead agribusiness continues the School’s tradition of innovation in management education.

“Agribusiness is the foundation of the New Zealand economy and the heart of the Waikato economy,” he says. “As the world population grows from seven to nine billion over the next 40 years, global food production and distribution will become a critical issue. We intend that the Waikato will be recognised as one of the leading regions for expertise in this area.”

Dr Rowarth comes to the University of Waikato from Massey, where she was Foundation Chair of Pastoral Agriculture and Director of Massey Agriculture. She has also headed research programmes at the University of Melbourne and Unitec.

A frequent contributor to public debate on agriculture and agribusiness, Dr Rowarth was awarded a CNZM in 2008 for her services to agricultural science, and is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science and a Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand.