Richard has served as Chair of the NZ Hemp Industries Association (NZHIA) for the last three years. NZHIA is a non-profit incorporated society involved with promoting the economic, environmental, health and social benefits of the NZ Hemp Industry.

NZHIA supports bio regional developments, based on phytoremediation of soils and sustainable production of arable and horticultural crops, producing seed, fiber and health products, grown and processed locally.

Richard’s hemp journey started in 1994 and he became involved with the NZHIA in 1998.

Richard is a qualified accountant, with experience in industry and in practice, both in New Zealand and England.

He is based in Paeroa, which is in the mighty Waikato (south of Auckland) and is co-owner of two hemp companies—Hemptastic NZ Ltd and Hemp Seeds Foods Ltd.

Which take pride in using 100% hemp that is 100% New Zealand made, while striving to use an ethical and sustainable approach to the use of resources and the environment.