Halter, the fast-growing agritech company developing virtual fencing and livestock management technology, has appointed Melia Rayner as its new Communications Manager as the company continues its international expansion across Australia, New Zealand and the United States.Rayner joins Halter after nearly six years at Australasian venture capital firm Blackbird, where she most recently served as Head of Communications. During her tenure, she helped shape the public profile of one of the region’s most influential startup investors, working across founder storytelling, media strategy, podcasts, events and community initiatives spanning more than 130 portfolio companies.Before joining Blackbird, Rayner worked agency-side at Character + Distinction, building experience across strategic communications and brand storytelling.Her appointment comes at a time of growing momentum for Halter, which has emerged as one of New Zealand’s most closely watched agritech startups. The company uses solar-powered smart collars and AI-driven software to enable farmers to move and monitor cattle without physical fences, a technology aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and animal welfare.Founded in Auckland in 2016 by Craig Piggott, Halter has attracted significant investor attention in recent years, including backing from Blackbird and other major venture capital firms. The startup has expanded rapidly across dairy and beef farming markets, positioning itself within a broader wave of agricultural technology companies using automation and artificial intelligence to modernise traditional farming systems.Rayner’s move also reflects a wider trend across the startup ecosystem, with communications executives increasingly playing a strategic role as high-growth technology companies face greater scrutiny from investors, regulators and the public over issues ranging from sustainability claims to AI adoption and workplace culture.At Blackbird, Rayner was known for championing founder-led storytelling and helping elevate the visibility of emerging startups across Australia and New Zealand’s technology sector. She also contributed extensively to Blackbird’s editorial and community initiatives, including founder profiles, investment narratives and startup ecosystem commentary.