Episode 63 - Wrapping up 2025 with Blake Holgate and Katie Rodwell
This end-of-year RaboTalk Growing our Future episode features Blake Holgate and Katie Rodwell reflecting on a year that has challenged our food and fibre sector to adapt. They share insights from conversations they’ve held with farmers and industry leaders and discuss key themes which have ranged from farmer resilience, the value of open dialogue, the power of working with family and how sustainability conversations have matured. This episode wraps up the year with optimism for the future as they discuss opportunities ahead, especially with on farm efficiencies and agri tech.
Meet the hosts
Blake Holgate
Blake hails from a sheep and beef farming family and practised as an environmental lawyer specialising in resource management before joining Rabobank in 2012.
During his time with the bank as Head of Sustainable Business Development, he’s developed extensive knowledge of the sustainability challenges facing New Zealand’s food producers and established himself as one of the country’s leading commentators on this topic.
He’s authored several research reports examining some of these challenges and is also a regular contributor to Rabobank government policy submissions on regulations affecting the sector.
Katie Rodwell
Katie grew up on a sheep and beef farm north of Kaikoura.
She joined the Bank as a Sustainability Manager in 2022 after eight years at Farmlands’, most recently as the Head of Sustainability and Land Use
At the bank, Katie is focused on supporting the bank’s sustainability ambitions, and supporting staff and clients with learning and development so they can have meaningful sustainability discussions.
Latest episodes
Want to hear all our episodes? Subscribe below
Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared by Rabobank New Zealand Limited and Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. (New Zealand Branch) (Incorporated in the Netherlands) (collectively referred to as ‘Rabobank New Zealand’). The information and opinions contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to their accuracy, completeness or correctness. This publication is for information purposes only and is not, and should not be construed as, an offer or a commitment by Rabobank New Zealand to enter into a transaction. This information is not professional advice and has not been prepared to be used as the basis for, and should not be used as the basis for, any financial or strategic decisions. This information is general in nature only and does not take into account an individual’s personal circumstances. All opinions expressed in this publication are subject to change without notice. Rabobank New Zealand does not accept any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, consequential or other loss or damage howsoever arising from any use of this publication or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.
This publication must not be reproduced or distributed without the prior written consent of Rabobank New Zealand. © 2024 Rabobank New Zealand Limited and Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. (New Zealand Branch) (Incorporated in the Netherlands). All Rights Reserved.