Growing up in Fiji, Ashna Khan developed a deep passion for the environment and its delicate balance with human activities. Her grandfather was a sugarcane farmer, and after marriage to another sugarcane farming family, discussions about agriculture became a regular part of her life.
After completing her higher education in New Zealand, Khan unexpectedly entered agriculture through a role at Callaghan Innovation, specialising in the AgriSector. Her background in biology and chemistry, as well as her PhD in organic chemistry, uniquely position her to oversee the biotech sector within the agritech team.
“Environmental sustainability has always been close to my heart, so when the opportunity to work with AgriSea NZ Seaweed Limited arose, I embraced it. Now, as the R&D Manager, I lead the company’s sustainability initiatives in seaweed utilisation,” said Khan.
She is also the project manager of Rere ki uta rere ki tai, an MPI-funded project evaluating the impact of land management practices on dairy farms. The project focused on enhancing farm productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship. This role has allowed her to combine her passion for sustainability with her expertise, driving positive change in agriculture.
Khan was inspired by the fact that sustainable farming can be both environmentally responsible and commercially viable. As a previous scientist, she was also driven by results and the evidential data that support the claims made in regenerative agriculture.
“Leading Rere ki uta rere ki tai and witnessing farmers make transformative changes that positively impact their family, community, and overall well-being is incredibly rewarding.”
Khan added that industry leaders like Nicole Masters and the now-retired Christine Jones have significantly impacted farmer education and the implementation of regenerative practices.
For anyone passionate about driving change, Khan’s advice was to trust instincts and follow the conscience.
“Pushbacks are inevitable, but remember—you can’t please everyone. Stay true to your values, and your efforts will create a meaningful impact. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that is the best way to learn.”
