Matt Hood

We're delighted to welcome Matt Hood as MC for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award Impact Summit.

Matt brings more than 25 years of agribusiness experience across New Zealand and Australia, working with sheep and beef, dairy and viticulture businesses. Based in Marlborough, NZ, he has extensive expertise in farm ownership structures, equity partnerships, succession planning and agribusiness finance.

Originally from Australia, Matt holds an Associate Diploma in Farm Management from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Western Sydney University.

Throughout his career, Matt has worked closely with farming families and agribusinesses, helping them navigate business growth, ownership transitions and long-term planning.

Matt is actively involved in the wider primary industries sector. He chaired the national agribusiness discussion group Strategic Link from 2006 to 2010 and has continued as its facilitator. He was also involved with the trans-Tasman Platinum Primary Producers Group since its inaugural conference in 2005.

An experienced facilitator with a sharp way with words, Matt combines deep industry knowledge, quick wit and a relaxed, engaging style.