B+LNZ is supporting NZIPIM to continue to offer the popular ‘Facilitation Learning and Change Programme’ which has helped hundreds of rural professionals develop their facilitation skills.
The Facilitation Learning and Change Programme that came out of the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) was completed in March 2021. Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) then integrated the RMPP Action Network Programme into B+LNZ’s the extension offering.
The programme is designed for rural professionals looking to improve their knowledge and skills in facilitation and leadership roles within their communities.
More than 170 participants completed the programme That B+LNZ offered over a 12-month period with a strong demand for them to continue.
On reviewing the programme, B+LNZ found it was not their core business and approached peak body for farm advisory and rural professionals, NZIPIM, to continue to offer the programme to rural professionals.
B+LNZ’s National Programme Manager Olivia Weatherburn says, “We believe this collaborative approach is the best fit for farmers and rural communities to continue to be supported through robust facilitation while we focus on other key activities.”
“It just makes sense handing this over to NZIPIM because working with rural professionals is what they specialise in and therefore have the vital connections needed for the programme to continue to be a success. This also means as a business we have been able to transfer the 50 plus days a year into core extension development and delivery instead,” says Weatherburn.
NZIPIM Chief Executive Jo Finer says this programme is a key element in the work NZIPIM does to build the capacity, capability and professional excellence of primary industry professionals.
“We’re delighted to be able to keep up the great work that B+LNZ have commenced, by continuing to offer this course for our members and other rural professionals.”
The programme is a two-day workshop aimed at improving the knowledge and skills for rural professionals looking at leadership roles within their communities. Through the programme, participants gain an understanding of what facilitation is and learn the skills required to effectively facilitate groups and learning.
“These skills will enable them to work with farmers and rural communities to help build the confidence required to increase and support practice change across the red meat sector,” says Jo.
Learn more by visiting the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management website.