Our October webinar features, Richard Barge, Chairman of the New Zealand Hemp Industry Association (NZHIA) on 27 of this month at 6pm.

New Zealand has just made it a lot easier to grow industrial hemp. What happens next is the interesting part.

iHemp NSW is pleased to welcome Richard Barge, President of the New Zealand Hemp Industries Association (NZHIA). Richard has been part of New Zealand’s hemp industry since the 1990s and has worked with growers, processors, manufacturers, researchers and government agencies to build practical, commercially sustainable value chains. He has also been closely involved in NZHIA’s advocacy for the May 2026 reforms that significantly simplified the framework for growing low-THC industrial hemp.

Now the focus is turning that regulatory progress into industry growth, through education, investment, market development and full-plant utilisation. Richard will share the NZ hemp journey, some fun facts and the latest developments across the ditch, along with what NSW growers and partners can learn from it.

Speaker

Richard Barge – President, New Zealand Hemp Industries Association (NZHIA)

Richard Barge is President of the New Zealand Hemp Industries Association (NZHIA) and has been involved with New Zealand’s industrial hemp industry since the 1990s.

With a background in business, finance and administration, Richard has held several leadership roles within NZHIA, becoming President in 2020. He works across the industry with growers, processors, manufacturers, researchers and government agencies to support the development of practical and commercially sustainable industrial hemp value chains.

Richard has been closely involved in NZHIA’s advocacy for regulatory reform, including the changes introduced in May 2026 that significantly simplified the framework for growing low-THC industrial hemp in New Zealand. His current focus is on turning that regulatory progress into industry growth through education, investment, market development and full-plant utilisation.

He is also leading the NZHIA Seed Project and Knowledge Series, initiatives designed to encourage new growers adopt best practice, build industry capability and connect growing with real market opportunities across food, fibre, construction, biomaterials and health.

Richard is looking forward to sharing the NZ iHemp journey, fun facts and latest developments on the iHemp NSW Inc, webinar series

Host

Maxine Shea is an Executive Officer of iHemp NSW and the co-founder of Hemp Collective, an award-winning Australian business based in the Byron Shire. Alongside her husband Mike, she has grown the brand for the last 8 years from its grassroots beginnings to being stocked in over 300 stores nationwide with 1000’s of happy customers.

Driven by personal health issues and a passion for sustainable living, Maxine has shaped Hemp Collective’s innovative range of hair, body, and pet care products. Her expertise spans zero waste, sustainability, education, and advocacy, positioning hemp as a vital part of eco-conscious lifestyles. With a background in marketing and a strong commitment to sustainable practices, she champions hemp awareness across Australia through her brand, inspiring stockists and customers to embrace mindful, future-focused choices with hemp.

Contact the host of Hemp Across the Tasman Webinar

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