Nov 1, 2024
On 23 October, Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) confirmed the appointment of John Tacon to the DINZ board as one of the four New Zealand Deer Farmers Association (NZDFA) producer representatives on the eight-member industry board.
John Tacon
Tacon is well-known to those in the deer industry through his former role as DINZ quality assurance manager, which saw him deeply involved in his work with animal welfare, handling facilities, the National Velvet Standards Body (NVSB), the Regulatory Control Scheme (RCS), the Ministry for Primary Industries, SPCA and others. He is a previous recipient of the Deer Industry Award and retired in 2021.
“With the current state of the deer industry, with falling herd numbers and aging farmers, I felt a deep urge to throw my name in the ring,” Tacon said. “I've a lifelong passion for deer, beginning back in my school days and continuing through hunting for meat, live capture, transportation, and then a thirty-year involvement with the Game Industry Board and DINZ, and through it all, I’ve always wanted the best for the industry.”
Tacon said his lifelong involvement in the deer industry has seen him "forge strong connections with deer farmers nationwide and gain a deep, intimate understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry and our people.”
“I firmly believe that it is crucial to bridge the knowledge gap between industry veterans and new entrants,” Tacon says. “Over the years, I have accumulated a wealth of experience and insights that I feel compelled to share with the next generation of deer farmers.
“By doing so, I aim to ensure that the valuable lessons learned from our industry's early days are not lost, but instead can help guide our future growth and success. I am on the board because I wish to contribute and give back to the industry that has given so much to me.”
Tacon has pledged to “work collaboratively with the other board members to drive positive change and ensure that our industry capability strategy aligns with the needs of our producers and executive staff.”
“As many in the industry will already know, my phone is always on, and my door is always open. I believe that open, honest communication is the key to building trust and fostering a sense of community within our industry.”
