Farewell to Trustee Phil Schofield – A Foundational Leader of the HBFFCT

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As the Hawke’s Bay Future Farming Charitable Trust (HBFFCT) continues to evolve, we extend our sincere thanks and warmest best wishes to one of our founding leaders, Phil Schofield, who is stepping down after many years of dedicated service.

Phil has been with the Trust from the very beginning. Appointed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council at the Trust’s inception, he served as an inaugural trustee and quickly became a central figure in shaping the organisation’s purpose and direction. His leadership journey included three years as Deputy Chair and the last three years as Chair, during which he guided the Trust through periods of significant change, challenge, and growth.

A Lifetime in the Land

Phil brought to the Trust a long and respected background across agriculture and horticulture in Hawke’s Bay. His deep interest in land and soil management, developed over decades, made him a natural fit for HBFFCT’s mission to support and accelerate sustainable farming practices.

His reason for joining the Trust was rooted in a clear and compelling vision:
to help farmers make the changes necessary to thrive in a future shaped by climate pressures and the legacy of historic land-use decisions. Phil has consistently championed practical, evidence-based pathways that empower farmers and growers to adapt while maintaining productive and resilient businesses.

A Connector and Champion

Throughout his time on the Board, Phil worked closely with partners and experts across the sector, including MPI, MFE, Massey University, On Farm Research, LandWISE, and HBRC staff and councillors. His strong relationships and ability to bring people together strengthened the Trust’s credibility and ensured our initiatives remained both grounded and forward-looking.

Phil has always been committed to staying across the latest developments in policy, science, and industry practice. His efforts ensured that the Board remained informed, prepared, and strategically aligned, a steadying force during times when the horizon seemed anything but certain.

A Legacy of Guidance, Vision, and Impact

Among Phil’s significant contributions, his leadership of the Carbon Positive Project stands out as a major achievement. Under his guidance, the project gained national recognition for its practical, farmer-focused approach to reducing emissions while improving on-farm resilience and profitability. Phil’s ability to connect science, policy, and on-the-ground practice was instrumental in driving the project forward and positioning HBFFCT as a credible leader in climate-positive farming.

Phil leaves the Trust with a legacy of thoughtful leadership, partnership building, and a genuine commitment to the future of farming in Hawke’s Bay. His contributions have shaped the Trust’s identity and created strong foundations for the work ahead.

On behalf of the HBFFCT Board and wider community, we thank Phil for his exceptional service, his wisdom, and his unwavering dedication.

We wish him all the very best for the next chapter.