Engaging in agriculture
Heather Collins - Facilitator and Rural Social Scientist
Connecting individuals and groups to facilitate understanding and positive change in the agri-environment space.
I bring a love for farming and growing, hands-on practical experience, and a wide ranging career in the agricultural & horticultural industries. Including over 25 years as an independent consultant, I have a deep all-round understanding of different perspectives – from rural to urban, farmers & growers to policy makers, scientists to marketers. Everyone views and experiences the world differently – our ‘way of knowing’ – respecting and understanding other’s perspectives will be key to our future.
My passion is to bring individuals and groups together and create space for change. A safe space to: think, talk about the big issues facing agriculture (‘wicked problems’), explore opportunities, research, understand other’s perspectives and ways of viewing the world, identify solutions, implement positive change. Although I wear many hats, including facilitator, rural social scientist and strategic thinker, my core focus is to engage people in our agri-environmental future.
I’m also passionate about learning, the opportunities it can bring, and helping others along their learning journey. Mentoring is incredibly rewarding, and I mentor a number of students from Primary ITO to PhD, supporting them to be the best they can be. I’m in the first year of my Te Reo learning journey.
I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Marlborough, where my husband grows wine. The outdoors is my playground and my training ground and I feel strongly connected with my environment: a deep respect and love for hills, bush and water.
“Heather is an experienced facilitator in rural communities. Her skills, knowledge and understanding of how these communities work enable her to obtain the best results from the events she facilitates. Heather ensures she undertakes research before any event so she understands exactly what outcomes are desired and then alters each event to suit the purpose. I have worked with Heather for over 10 years, so no trouble in recommending Heather.
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Heather is acknowledged and awarded
through the following organisations
Awarded the 2017 APEN International Award for Excellence in Extension by an Experienced Professional (for contribution to extension through research).
Claude McCarthy Fellowship (international award), 2017.
Centre of Excellence in Farm Business Management Doctoral Scholarship, 2014-2016.
MacMillan Brown Agricultural Research Scholarship, 2016.
Leonard Condell Farming PhD Scholarship, 2016
GOVERNANCE
Heather is a Director of APEN – Australasia Pacific Extension Network – a leading international organisation for the community of extension professionals. Her role is Strategic Business Development: working collaboratively, thinking broadly and creatively, identifying and implementing new business opportunities, collaborating with other professional organisations. She has been an APEN member since 1993.
QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in Agriculture and Environment (Massey University),
Masters degree (Hons) in Agricultural Science (Massey University),
Post Graduate Diploma in Natural Resource Management (Adelaide University)
Bachelor in Agricultural Science (Massey University).