Tom Chapman
2026 Event Chair
Tom holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture from Lincoln University and has built a solid foundation in the dairy industry through a mix of practical experience and leadership roles. He formerly managed a farm with the Camden Group and now along with his fiancé contract milks 840 cows in Mayfield, where he continues to grow his business and operational expertise.
In 2024 Tom was appointed as an Associate Director for the Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation Scheme, a role that reflects his interest in the broader governance and strategic direction of the rural sector.
Outside of farming, Tom keeps active through mountain biking, running, and playing squash.
In 2024 Tom was appointed as an Associate Director for the Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation Scheme, a role that reflects his interest in the broader governance and strategic direction of the rural sector.
Outside of farming, Tom keeps active through mountain biking, running, and playing squash.
Ashley Smith
2026 Event Committee
Ashley and her husband began their farming journey in the Waikato, spending three years contract milking before moving to Southland in 2022 to take on a 50/50 sharemilking role on an 800-cow farm. Since then, they've put down roots in the region and recently bought their first farm.
Before farming full-time, Ashley worked in rural banking and as a Consulting Officer with DairyNZ, gaining valuable experience supporting farmers. She now works as a farm supervisor, overseeing operations across 3,500 cows, and enjoys the variety and challenges the role brings.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys getting outdoors - especially tramping, playing netball, and spending time with family and friends.
She’s passionate about the dairy industry and the opportunities it offers for people who are keen to work hard and grow. Ashley also has a strong interest in the financial and business side of farming and enjoys learning from others and sharing ideas.
Before farming full-time, Ashley worked in rural banking and as a Consulting Officer with DairyNZ, gaining valuable experience supporting farmers. She now works as a farm supervisor, overseeing operations across 3,500 cows, and enjoys the variety and challenges the role brings.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys getting outdoors - especially tramping, playing netball, and spending time with family and friends.
She’s passionate about the dairy industry and the opportunities it offers for people who are keen to work hard and grow. Ashley also has a strong interest in the financial and business side of farming and enjoys learning from others and sharing ideas.
Peter O'Connor
2026 Event Committee
Peter is the manager of a 1,000-cow operation at Chertsey Dairies, working for Will and Kim Grayling just north of Ashburton. Originally from a family farm in Westport, Peter has quickly established himself as a standout in the dairy industry. He was named New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year in 2022 and went on to be runner-up in the prestigious NZ Young Farmer of the Year competition in 2023. Most recently, Peter spent a year travelling, which included time working on a dairy farm in the UK, further broadening his skills and experience. Off-farm, he keeps active with hockey, hunting, and squash.
Leilani Lobb
2026 Event Committee
Leilani grew up on dairy farms in Mid Canterbury and has always had a strong connection to the land and the people who work it. After completing a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University (2018–2020), she began her career in the industry as a herd manager, quickly progressing to 2IC on a 700-cow farm in Lauriston within the same year. In 2022, Leilani and her partner Ben took the leap into contract milking and are now in their fourth season, having recently relocated to the Waitaki Valley. Passionate about leadership and connection within the sector, Leilani is an active Dairy Women’s Network regional leader and will step into the Canterbury/North Otago hub leader role (maternity cover) from August 1.
Ben McInnes
2026 Event Committee
Ben is a fourth-generation dairy farmer who grew up in Hikurangi, Northland, before relocating with his family to Clydevale in South Otago in 2006. After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce at Lincoln University (2018–2020), he began his career on a 2,000-cow farm in Dunsandel. In 2022, Ben took the next step by moving into contract milking, and he’s now in his fourth season, farming with his partner Leilani in the Waitaki Valley. Passionate about the industry and its future, Ben combines practical experience with a strong academic foundation.
Roseanne Megaw
2026 Event Committee
Roseanne Megaw, with husband Eldon and kids Beau (10) and Reid (7) contract milk two farms near Rangitata, milking a total of 1600 cows.
Roseanne grew up on a dairy farm but pursued a teaching career in her early 20s before heading back to the dairy industry. They have been contract milking for 8 years now and this past year have had the opportunity to enter an equity partnership.
Roseanne grew up on a dairy farm but pursued a teaching career in her early 20s before heading back to the dairy industry. They have been contract milking for 8 years now and this past year have had the opportunity to enter an equity partnership.
Reuben Christian
2026 Event Committee
Reuben grew up on a drystock block in the Waikato before graduating from Lincoln University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture), where he also met his wife during his third year of study.
After university, Reuben began working for Matt and Amanda Ward as a 2IC on their 2,250-cow farm and progressed to manager in 2019. In 2020, Reuben and Jaden began contract milking 1,000 cows for Simon Roy, and over the seasons have grown the operation to 1,400 cows.
This season, alongside Simon, they purchased the neighbouring block, which is currently being converted. From next season, they will milk 2,000 cows across two sheds.
Outside of work, Reuben enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, playing squash, and getting out on the mountain bike when he can.
After university, Reuben began working for Matt and Amanda Ward as a 2IC on their 2,250-cow farm and progressed to manager in 2019. In 2020, Reuben and Jaden began contract milking 1,000 cows for Simon Roy, and over the seasons have grown the operation to 1,400 cows.
This season, alongside Simon, they purchased the neighbouring block, which is currently being converted. From next season, they will milk 2,000 cows across two sheds.
Outside of work, Reuben enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, playing squash, and getting out on the mountain bike when he can.
Antoinette Archer
2026 Event Committee
Antoinette Archer is the Partnership & Demonstration Lead for the South Island Dairying Demonstration Centre (SIDDC), that operates at the Lincoln University Demonstration Farm. Prior to her role with SIDDC, Antoinettes has held roles with DairyNZ, Fonterra, Westpac and as well as managing a dairy farm in Southland and farming in Mid Canterbury. Antoinette enjoys connecting farmers, industry and communities with science and technology for future-ready farm systems and is excited to be on the committee with SIDE.
Oliver Hampson
2026 Event Committee
Oliver has over 10 years of hands-on experience in the dairy industry, working across a variety of farming operations. For the past 3 years, he has been managing a 780-cow farm for the Camden Group. During this time, he has also had the opportunity to further my professional development through the Kellogg Rural Leadership Program.
Oliver is passionate about the future of the dairy industry and committed to continuous improvement. He enjoys collaborating with like-minded individuals to drive innovation, profitability, and progress within the sector.
Oliver is passionate about the future of the dairy industry and committed to continuous improvement. He enjoys collaborating with like-minded individuals to drive innovation, profitability, and progress within the sector.
Eraina Temple
2026 Event Committee
Eraina is a Co-operative Services Area Manager for Fonterra in Southern Central Canterbury, with 10+ years background across different roles at Fonterra Farm Source. Eraina is passionate about connecting with farmer shareholders and energised by supporting the next generation of farmers through meaningful engagement and collaboration.
Outside of work, Eraina is often found exploring the backcountry and enjoying the outdoors with her partner.
Outside of work, Eraina is often found exploring the backcountry and enjoying the outdoors with her partner.
Caroline Amyes
2026 Event Committee
Caroline Amyes is the Regional Manager for On Farm Support at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), where she leads a team focused on supporting farmers and rural communities to navigate change and build resilience. With a strong background in farm systems, innovation, and climate action, Caroline plays a key role in connecting national policy with practical, regionally-delivered support. She is passionate about enabling land managers to adopt sustainable and future-focused practices, and is a champion of collaborative approaches that bring together science, regulation, and on-the-ground knowledge. Caroline also provides functional leadership for MPI’s work in greenhouse gas mitigation and emissions reduction, ensuring alignment between government priorities and the realities of New Zealand’s farming sector.
Heather Donaldson
2026 Event Committee
DairyNZ Representative
Heather joined DairyNZ in 2018, having come from a background of contract milking and sharemilking alongside her husband. Prior to working with DairyNZ, Heather completed a Bachelor of Agri-Science extramurally while her first two children were young, and tutored for Primary ITO. Her work on farm along with her experience at DairyNZ has lead to a strong interest in creating on farm growth through a practical approach.
Heather joined DairyNZ in 2018, having come from a background of contract milking and sharemilking alongside her husband. Prior to working with DairyNZ, Heather completed a Bachelor of Agri-Science extramurally while her first two children were young, and tutored for Primary ITO. Her work on farm along with her experience at DairyNZ has lead to a strong interest in creating on farm growth through a practical approach.
Glenn Jones
Governance Group Chair
Canterbury Dairy Farmer
Jonathon Hoets
Mid Canterbury Dairy Farmer
I am married to my wife Stacey and am a proud father to 2 young daughters. I have been dairy farming for more than 15 years and am currently an equity partner of Kairoa Dairies Limited, a 790-cow farm in Mid Canterbury, for the Rylib Group. I have a passion for enhancing both productivity and profitability of my farming business. I hold a Diploma in Business Planning and Financial Management and graduated from the Rabobank Farm Managers Program in 2019. I also placed 2nd in the Rabobank project where I looked at the link between Managing people efficiently and using technology to enhance performance.
I completed the Mayfield Group Governance Programme. Stacey and I won the Canterbury/North Otago Sharefarmer of the year and came 3rd at Nationals. Also receiving 3 merit awards. I was one of the finalists for the Ministry of Primary Industries Good Employer Award for Employee Development and Small Business Recognition. I was part of the SIDE 2022 organising committee. When off farm I enjoy running and have completed the 32km Coast to Coast Mountain run and Christchurch half marathon. I am committed to the community and demonstrate this through my involvement with the local rural fire brigade and volunteering for the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
I completed the Mayfield Group Governance Programme. Stacey and I won the Canterbury/North Otago Sharefarmer of the year and came 3rd at Nationals. Also receiving 3 merit awards. I was one of the finalists for the Ministry of Primary Industries Good Employer Award for Employee Development and Small Business Recognition. I was part of the SIDE 2022 organising committee. When off farm I enjoy running and have completed the 32km Coast to Coast Mountain run and Christchurch half marathon. I am committed to the community and demonstrate this through my involvement with the local rural fire brigade and volunteering for the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
Paul McCarron
Rural Professional, Christchurch
Paul has been involved with the rural sector for over 30 years as a chartered accountant specialising in the agribusiness sector. He has a passion for working with rural families and their businesses. He has worked with a range of dairy businesses over this period helping them achieve their goals in the industry.
He has been a director of Brown Glassford & Co Ltd, a specialist rural accounting firm, for over 15 years. The firm focuses on providing quality advice to the rural sector. He is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management.
Paul was a shareholder in a dairy equity partnership for a number of years.
Paul has been a member of the SIDE Governance Group since joining the group in 2021.
He has been a director of Brown Glassford & Co Ltd, a specialist rural accounting firm, for over 15 years. The firm focuses on providing quality advice to the rural sector. He is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management.
Paul was a shareholder in a dairy equity partnership for a number of years.
Paul has been a member of the SIDE Governance Group since joining the group in 2021.
Tony Finch
DairyNZ Representative
Tony has been involved within the Primary sector for over thirty years, primarily across the Dairy sector. He is passionate about dairy farming and assisting people to succeed within the industry.
Tony has worn many hats and held numerous leadership positions over the course of his working career, including farming, stock and station agency, Rural Banking, Large-scale Dairy Management in NZ as well as in the USA. Has held numerous governance roles including NZIPIM, Southland Demonstration Hub and SIDE. Whilst at DairyNZ Tony has led the Organisations Development Teams, been the Head of South and now holds the National role of DairyNZ’s National External Engagement Lead.
Tony has worn many hats and held numerous leadership positions over the course of his working career, including farming, stock and station agency, Rural Banking, Large-scale Dairy Management in NZ as well as in the USA. Has held numerous governance roles including NZIPIM, Southland Demonstration Hub and SIDE. Whilst at DairyNZ Tony has led the Organisations Development Teams, been the Head of South and now holds the National role of DairyNZ’s National External Engagement Lead.
Vanessa Winning
Rural Professional
Vanessa started at IrrigationNZ in October 2020 based in Wellington. She is a strategic executive leader with over 20 years experience in the agriculture, banking and corporate sectors. Vanessa brings excellent stakeholder management and engagement skills having worked across multiple sectors, with a range of stakeholders, local and central government, and Iwi. Vanessa was most recently GM Farm Performance at DairyNZ, where she led a large team across the country to help farmers improve their businesses and reduce environmental impacts. Previously Vanessa spent 18 years in banking and trade; product development and marketing and communications. Vanessa has an economics degree and postgraduate degree in marketing. Vanessa is also an experienced director and is on the board of Surf LifesavingNZ, an active member of Dairy Women's Network and an AWDT Escalator alumni. Vanessa is passionate about water - its sensible harvesting, fair management, pragmatic use for balanced outcomes across the economy, environment, and our communities.
Michelle Coates
West Coast Dairy Farmer
My husband Willie and I own a deer/dairy grazing farm which has been in the family for a long time and we wanted to expand our business so when the opportunity to purchase the neighbouring dairy farm in 2012 we took on the challenge, and from there I have been involved with Dairy Women’s Network from being a member to a regional leader to then on to the West Coast/Top of South Hub Leader.
I have been involved in the NZDIA for the past 7 years staring out as secretary to regional sponsorship manager for 6 years which lead onto regional manager for the past 4 years, In July 2022 I was appointed the National sponsorship development manager.
I have been involved in the NZDIA for the past 7 years staring out as secretary to regional sponsorship manager for 6 years which lead onto regional manager for the past 4 years, In July 2022 I was appointed the National sponsorship development manager.
Abby Rawcliffe
South Canterbury Dairy Farmer
Ollie Knowles
Rural Professional
Ollie Knowles is filling one of the industry representative roles on the SIDE Governance. Ollie is experienced in extension, as a change specialist in the primary industries after working at DairyNZ and Ballance Agri-Nutrients. He has skills spanning environmental consultancy, precision agriculture, business development, strategic planning, and sales.
Ollie is excited for the future of NZ’s agricultural industry as we have prime products that are positioned well in international markets backed by innovative producers and rural service providers and SIDE is an event which contributes to this thought leadership.
Ollie is excited for the future of NZ’s agricultural industry as we have prime products that are positioned well in international markets backed by innovative producers and rural service providers and SIDE is an event which contributes to this thought leadership.
Myfanwy Alexander
North Otago Dairy Farmer
Originally from Wales, Myfanwy ahs been farming in New Zealand for 16 years. Starting out in the Waikato and then moving south to North Otago, 9 years ago. She currently Contract-milks a 1000 cow farm at Duntroon with a team of 5 staff, with her youngest daughter helping out often. Her partner seems to always be roped in to fix things and her eldest daughter supplies the farm with baking treats. So all in all a full family affair!
Alongside running the day to day operation of the farm Myfanwy is involved in Dairy Womens Network as a Regional Leader, has been involved in her daughter's school at Duntroon and has recently taken on the role of North Otago Provincial President for Federated Farmers. She is also currently on the AWDT Escalator program to develop her leadership and Governance skills. Community has been very important in Myfanwy's life over the years, and the local community has been there for her through some difficult times. The dairy industry has also been a fantastic career over the past 16 years, something she wants to see available for generations to come. Myfanwy see's it as her duty to give back to the community and the Industry that has given her so much over the years.
Alongside running the day to day operation of the farm Myfanwy is involved in Dairy Womens Network as a Regional Leader, has been involved in her daughter's school at Duntroon and has recently taken on the role of North Otago Provincial President for Federated Farmers. She is also currently on the AWDT Escalator program to develop her leadership and Governance skills. Community has been very important in Myfanwy's life over the years, and the local community has been there for her through some difficult times. The dairy industry has also been a fantastic career over the past 16 years, something she wants to see available for generations to come. Myfanwy see's it as her duty to give back to the community and the Industry that has given her so much over the years.
Robin Hornblow
Canterbury Dairy Farmer
Alongside my wife Kirstie we contract milk 1150 cows on 290ha in Ashburton. We have two children, Emersyn and Wade. I joined the SIDE committee in 2022 and found it a rewarding way to give back to the dairy industry and help like-minded farmers get ahead in the industry. Outside of farming I enjoy fishing, boating and camping.
Tineka Johnstone
SIDE Coordinator
Tineka is the SIDE Coordinator and the main contact for SIDE.
Tineka has over 20 years of event experience, mainly in the not-for-profit primary industry sector.
Her and her husband, and three kids, live on a dairy support block near Oxford, and in the event off season she rears calves for their dairy farm owners.
Tineka has over 20 years of event experience, mainly in the not-for-profit primary industry sector.
Her and her husband, and three kids, live on a dairy support block near Oxford, and in the event off season she rears calves for their dairy farm owners.
