History of the New Zealand Industrial Hemp Association Inc.
Foundation and Early Days
The New Zealand Industrial Hemp Association Inc. (NZIHA) was founded in 1997 born from a collective vision to explore and promote the benefits of industrial hemp. Recognizing the plant’s vast potential, a group of pioneering individuals and stakeholders came together in 1994 to establish an organization dedicated to advancing the industrial hemp industry in New Zealand.
Mission and Vision
From its inception, the NZIHA has been driven by a clear mission: to advocate for the development and growth of a sustainable and innovative industrial hemp industry in New Zealand. The association’s vision encompasses the creation of a thriving hemp sector that contributes to economic development, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
Recognising our foundation members
The Association has elected two founding individuals as NZHIA lifetime members in order to recognise and thank them for their outstanding contributions to the organisation since its inception. Their support, loyalty, and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the industry.
NZHIA Lifetime Member: Donald “Mack” MacIntosh
Donald James MacIntosh, aka ‘Mack’, is an integral part of the New Zealand Hemp
Industry landscape. If it wasn’t for early pioneers like Mack, willing to sacrifice
their time and personal comfort, there might not even be a hemp industry in New
Zealand.
Coming together in 1990 with 15 mates in the Owaka Valley with the mandate “You get it legal Mack, and we’ll grow it” the NZHIA was initially born.
After the 1996 election, Mack decided to move to Wellington, to be able to speak to policymakers. After giving himself two years…with consistent and passionate communications and calls..nine years later he was starting to slowly be heard.
The NZHIA was formally registered in 1997 as a non profit society and Mack’s enduring drive continued.
Skip forward to 2006, when legislation finally came into force allowing the industry to begin properly.
2009 however, brought a change of attitude as to what could actually constitute a product such as baleage, which had to be fought for, was now determined to contain CBD.
Between 2016 and 2018, and after two decades of work, Mack progressed with his seed breeding program, with 2018 being a big year personally developing Hempseed Holdings Ltd.
In 2020, Mack stepped down as chairman of the NZHIA. His unwavering dedication and leadership over the past two decades was integral in the development of the industry and the NZHIA as an association.
The Association would like to honor Mack’s legacy and thank him for his invaluable contributions to not only the organization and the wider hemp community. His dedication to education and public awareness has inspired countless individuals to explore the benefits of industrial hemp. Mack’s legacy is evident in the thriving network of hemp advocates, farmers, and entrepreneurs who have been galvanized by his vision and leadership.
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NZHIA Lifetime Member: Richard Barge
Richard started in the industry in 1994, and has been the Treasurer of the NZHIA since 1998, then the Deputy Chair and became the Chair in 2020.
His background is in business finance and administration, and is a trained accountant and have a bookkeeping business based in Paeroa & Auckland.
Richard has cofounded two hemp companies Hemptastic NZ limited and Hemp Seed Foods ltd
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Looking to the Future
As the industrial hemp industry continues to evolve, NZIHA remains committed to its mission. The association is focused on driving further legislative advancements, supporting innovative research, and expanding market opportunities for New Zealand’s hemp products. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, NZIHA is poised to lead the way in harnessing the full potential of industrial hemp for a sustainable future.