SIDE South Island Diary Event - News

BrightSIDE Scholarship Awarded to Lincoln University Student Jessica Kilday

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:05:02 GMT

The South Island Dairy Event’s BrightSIDE programme is proud to announce Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.

Jessica is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University and has recently completed her second year of study. She will begin her third and final year in 2026, where she plans to tailor her degree towards the dairy sector.

“The Bachelor of Agriculture has been a great degree so far, as it’s allowed me to study across a wide range of agricultural disciplines,” says Jessica. “I’ve gained exposure to animal husbandry, soil management, plant sciences and farm systems management, which has really helped shape where I want to head next.”

With her final year largely made up of elective papers, Jessica is focusing on courses that will strengthen her knowledge and practical understanding of dairy farming systems. She intends to enrol in Dairy Production Science and Pasture Agronomy, which she believes will best prepare her for a career in the dairy industry.

“I want to build a degree that gives me a strong foundation for working within the New Zealand dairy industry,” she says. “These courses will help me better understand both animal performance and pasture-based systems, which are so critical to our farming model.”

The BrightSIDE Scholarship has been established as part of the BrightSIDE programme to extend its impact beyond the one-day BrightSIDE event. It reflects SIDE’s commitment to investing in the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.

The BrightSIDE Scholarship is open to past BrightSIDE attendees pursuing further education or training in agriculture, including those entering university-level agricultural study, beginning a career in the dairy industry through a recognised training provider, or upskilling as a working farmer through a high-level course. Successful applicants may receive funding of up to $3,000 to support their education or training. Applications open later in the year.

This year, BrightSIDE will be held on 1 April 2026 at Ashley Dene Research Development Staton near Lincoln, and is targeted at those considering a career in the dairy industry - particularly Year 11-13 students, school leavers, university students, and anyone looking for a change in career.

Designed especially for young people curious about the opportunities in dairy, BrightSIDE showcases the breadth of careers available - from hands-on farming through to cutting-edge technology and science.

Participants will kick off the day rotating around a series of interactive, hands-on modules that highlight the diversity of skills required in modern dairying, such as measuring fodder beet, culturing a mastitis sample, exploring how collars are used to make decisions on farm, and taking and interpreting soil samples to make fertiliser decisions.

Whether participants are passionate about science, technology, animals or machinery, BrightSIDE is designed to open eyes to one of New Zealand’s most exciting and future-focused industries - leaving attendees inspired, informed, and ready to see where a future in dairy could take them.

BrightSIDE registrations are now open – visit www.side.org.nz for more information or to register.

Message from the 2026 Event Chair, Tom Chapman

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:27:51 GMT

“The best investment you can make, is an investment in yourself.” - Warren Buffet. The words of the world’s most successful investor Warren Buffet resonate me with me as chair of the 2026 South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) Committee. SIDE is a place where farmers come together to network, share knowledge and create long-term value through personal growth.

It is an exciting time for our industry a record Farm Gate Milk Price last season & a strong positive outlook for the foreseeable future are driving an appetite for land use change with improved environmental outcomes. We will always face challenges both now & into the future. How we innovate, adapt & evolve to manage these challenges will define our success.

The 2026 SIDE event committee is privileged to be holding the event at Lincoln University, a cornerstone of agricultural learning in the South Island. We have chosen the theme of “Turn Knowledge into Value” and are working hard to put together a range of workshops aiming to inspire the next generation of leaders. I am excited to hear from our fantastic line-up of industry leading farmers & scientists along with keynote speakers, Zion Armstrong, Cameron Bagrie, Dr John Roche & MC Julia Jones.

SIDE was founded on the commitment of people; this has continued over the past 27 years, aiding in the development of dairy farming in the South Island as we know it today. Our industry is New Zealand’s largest exporter generating around 23 billion dollars of revenue annually. People are critical to its long-term success, and we must continue to invest in them and grow them. Deciding to attend SIDE 2026 is an investment in yourself, one I hope you will find truly rewarding. I look forward to seeing you all at the event, to learn, network & unwind.

Tom Chapman, 2026 Event Chair, and Contract Milker from Mayfield

SIDE Shakes Up Schedule and Venue for its 2025 Edition

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:25:38 GMT

South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the very first time and is breaking tradition by moving its annual gathering from June to April—a bold move that promises a fresh perspective and invigorated approach.

"Timaru isn't just another stop; it's the heartbeat of dairy farming in the south island," said Myfanwy Alexander, Duntroon contract milker and Co-Chair of SIDE. "In an industry where change is constant and adaptation essential, choosing this location reflects our commitment not just to discuss success but to manifest it."

The upcoming conference on April 7th-9th 2025, marks a departure from last year’s intellectually charged affair at Lincoln University—an event that was steeped in science and research while celebrating SIDE's 25th anniversary. This year's focus pivots towards showcasing tangible achievements within dairy farming communities across the south island.

"Dairying is grounded not in theory but in hands-on practice," noted Abby Rawcliffe, fellow Co-Chair of SIDE and dairy farmer from Hunter Hills. "Our choice to highlight real achievements reflects the practical mindset shared by our participants."

Established in 1998 as New Zealand’s premier dairy conference led by farmers for farmers, SIDE’s mission is to empower people in the South Island dairy sector to adapt and manage change. The conference continues its legacy as an indispensable forum for those invested in advancing their skills through knowledge sharing—a mission never more pertinent than now amidst evolving global agricultural landscapes.

BrightSIDE will also be back, an innovative one-day event designed for students, young farmers, or those seeking to enter or advance in the dairy industry, which will take place as part of the (SIDE) conference on Tuesday, April 8th.

With anticipation building around these two days packed full of informative workshops, inspiring keynote speakers and important networking opportunities, the SIDE Event is tailored toward empowering individuals involved throughout every level of dairy farming - be they veterans or newcomers to the industry.

Pictured left to right - Co-Chairs Abby Rawcliffe & Myfanwy Alexander

BrightSIDE Shines at SIDE 2024

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 23:34:26 GMT

Young Attendees Join Largest Dairy Event in New Zealand

LINCOLN, CANTERBURY - The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2024 was a roaring success as the largest dairy conference in New Zealand celebrated its 25th event with a turnout of over 400 attendees.

"This event is not just about sharing knowledge; it's about fostering innovation and pushing boundaries," said Jonathon Hoets, Event Committee Chair of SIDE 2024. "The dairy industry is constantly evolving and events like this are crucial in helping farmers adapt to change."

One of the highlights of SIDE 2024 was the participation of BrightSIDE attendees. Abby Rawcliffe, the BrightSIDE Coordinator, emphasised that young attendees play a vital role in shaping the future of the dairy sector.

"Empowering our youth to take on roles within the industry is essential for its longevity," said Rawcliffe. "BrightSIDE provides a platform for students and young farmers to ignite curiosity and ambition among young individuals in the industry, connect with experienced professionals, and learn some hands-on skills."

The conference featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers including former Australian SAS medic Dan Pronk, Jeremy Hill, Siobhan O'Malley, and Cameron Bagrie. Attendees also enjoyed a field trip at Ashley Dene and Lincoln University Research Farms, as well as informative sessions with workshops and panels covering a wide range of topics.

"We aimed to provide attendees with valuable insights and practical knowledge that they can apply in their daily operations," said Hoets.

In addition to the educational sessions, SIDE 2024 hosted 25 exhibitors showcasing their products and services tailored for the dairy industry. Jamie Mackay served as an outstanding MC throughout the event, keeping attendees engaged and entertained.

The overarching goal of SIDE remains empowering individuals within the South Island dairy sector to adapt and manage change effectively. As noted by Hoets, "Our commitment is to continue providing a platform for farmers by farmers where they can learn from each other's experiences and collectively drive innovation forward."

Health & Wellness Programme will be at SIDE for 2024

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 23:50:04 GMT

The Carr Family Foundation and their Health & Wellness Programme will be at SIDE for 2024

Last year at SIDE in Invercargill, farmers and rural professionals lined up for a Rural Wellness Check-Up.

Farmers attending SIDE this year will get the same opportunity - it could save you life!

About the Carr Family Foundation

The Carr Family Foundation is the philanthropic arm to Carrfields Ltd. Carrfields is representative of a family who has farmed and built the Carr Group of companies over the past forty years from the fields of the Canterbury region. The Carr Family Foundation is passionate about giving back to the agricultural communities around New Zealand and the world that our businesses, suppliers, and customers operate and live in.

“Our goal is to make a sizeable difference in the rural communities rather than making very little impact on many”.

Rural Health & Wellness Program

“Supporting our Rural Communities”

Ensuring rural communities have access to mental and physical health checks is the main objective of the Rural Health & Wellness initiative, which was launched last year.

Their Rural Health and Wellness mobile van is designed to provide free health checks in our rural communities across New Zealand to farmers, which is easy, timely and accessible. The wellness checks on offer will cover:

Blood sugar
Cholesterol levels
Blood pressure,
BMI
A general chat about wellness and mental health.

People who visit the van will receive a report card from the nurse that they can then take to their own GP for further follow up.

“Regular health checks not only help identify underlying medical conditions, but they can also be a guide to options that speed up the recovery process and help maintain and improve overall health and wellbeing”.

Goal:

Their goal is to assess about 50 plus people per day at each sale yard or event they intend to visit from the bottom of the South through to the top of the North Island over a 12-month period.

Jamie Mackay made Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 23:58:35 GMT

King’s Birthday Honours 2024: The Country’s Jamie Mackay made Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Jamie Mackay, host of The Country , has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to broadcasting and the rural community, in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours .

Mackay has been a pioneer of rural radio, driving the broadcasting of rural content nationally through New Zealand’s leading rural network show, The Country.

In 1994, Mackay purchased 4ZG in Gore, the radio station now known as Hokonui, from the Government and began a daily five-minute rural segment broadcast, which quickly evolved into a one-hour show format.

In 2007 he obtained a nationwide slot on Radio Sport through The Radio Network, and The Farming Show was born.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Mackay decided The Farming Show needed to reach more Kiwi listeners, so in 2016, The Farming Show became The Country and was added to more markets on Newstalk ZB’s network, with the exception of Auckland and Wellington.

In 2021, Mackay went into bat for The Best of The Country, his round-up of the top interviews of the week, and fought to get the show into the metro markets to strengthen the understanding of rural New Zealand in all urban centres.

Away from the studio, Mackay has been rural New Zealand’s voice in mainstream media and acted as MC for numerous rural events and awards ceremonies.

He donates his MC fees to charities, most notably the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme, where he’s taken over the ambassador’s role from his boyhood hero, Sir Colin “Pinetree” Meads.

A staunch supporter of “looking after the top paddock”, he has been a prominent advocate for rural mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

Mackay has been president of the Riversdale Rugby Club, a trustee of Sport Southland and the Mataura Licensing Trust, and a Gore district councillor.

In 2006 he was awarded the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ Agricultural Communicator of the Year.

He has also been named a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award , at the 2024 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards, to be held in July.

This year Mackay celebrated 30 years of The Country , keeping it local by broadcasting to the nation from a woolshed in his hometown, Riversdale .

Not bad for a self-proclaimed “ broken-down sheep farmer with a stutter ”.

Mackay said he thought his friends were having him on when he found out he was part of the King’s Birthday Honours list.

“I’ve got a few dodgy mates who would love to suck me in with a stunt like this.”

When he realised it was for real, he spent an afternoon trying to decide whether to accept or decline it, as he was heading to Australia the following morning.

Mackay said he had his reasons for hesitation, the primary one being he thought he hadn’t done enough to justify the honour.

“Plus, in the past, I’d been critical of some people who had accepted an honour for merely doing their well-paid job,” he said.

“In the end, however, I justified it in my mind by accepting it for all the charity fundraising work I’d done over the years, particularly for the IHC.

“That, and the fact my good mate Steve Wyn-Harris got a ‘gong’ in 2023 for services to the rural community and I didn’t want him to get one up on me!”

Mackay also knew his family would be proud of him, especially his children and future grandchildren.

“I’m truly humbled.”

NZME CEO Michael Boggs said the company was thrilled to see Mackay honoured today, saying the recognition was well-deserved.

“Jamie plays a hugely important role in connecting with our rural communities and has given so much more of himself through other activities and events too.

“He has created a tight knit community through The Country, growing it from something he started on his farm in Riversdale 30 years ago to what it is now as New Zealand’s flagship agricultural show.”

Jason Winstanley, Chief Audio Officer at NZME, said celebrating The Country’s 30-year anniversary with Mackay just a few weeks ago in Southland was a real privilege.

“With hundreds of people turning out in support, it was a sign of just how respected he is, not just as a broadcaster, but in the massive amount of work he does for his community.

“He’s an extremely talented broadcaster and a brilliant person, and we’re so proud to see him awarded in this respect today.”

Rowena Duncum, NZME Commercial Lead – Rural, has worked alongside Mackay for eight years, including six as his producer for The Country.

She said she was delighted to see him honoured today, knowing how much he values the opportunity to give voice to rural matters.

“This goes beyond just ‘doing his job’.

“From normalising the conversation around rural mental health and advocating for the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme as its ambassador, through to holding politicians and leaders to account, for more than 30 years, Jamie has kept rural New Zealand at the heart of everything he does.”

DairyNZ Board welcomes new associate director, farewells independent director

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:14:39 GMT

SIDE Event Committee Chair joins the DairyNZ Board

Jonathon Hoets has been selected to join the DairyNZ Board as an associate director for the next year, while current independent director, Margaret Devlin, is stepping down from her role.

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel says that he is excited to have Jonathon join the Board, in the associate director role, as he has shown a commitment to governance, and significant involvement in industry good already.

“The Board was heartened by the standard of applicants, and the talent coming through of people wanting to commit to the future governance and leadership of our dairy sector,” says Mr van der Poel.

“This role provides the opportunity for people coming through to be more exposed to governance, and supports the next generation of farmer leadership, while the Board gains insights from clever young people coming in and contributing to our discussions.”

Jonathon Hoets, and his wife Stacey, are equity partners in a 790-cow farm in mid-Canterbury for the Rylib Group. He is involved with the SIDE Governance Group and organising committee, alongside NZDIA , while actively contributing to his community through volunteering with his local rural fire brigade.

“Jonathon will bring his unique set of individual skills, experience, outlook, and opinions which will help shape discussions and decision-making. This continues to be crucial as the sector navigates various challenges, and the Board look to deliver on the new DairyNZ strategy,” says van der Poel.

Thirteen other farmers have been an associate director with DairyNZ since the initiative was introduced in 2013. Many of these farmers have since utilised the experience as an associate director in further leadership roles within the sector. Associate directors are non-voting roles, appointed for a one-year timeframe, commencing on 1 June.

DairyNZ’s Board is also announcing that current independent director, Margaret Devlin, is stepping down from her role, as she relocates overseas.

“Margaret has made significant positive contribution to our board room discussions, supporting positive outcomes for the dairy sector,” says van der Poel.

“She brought unique insights as an experienced director. On behalf of our farmers and the DairyNZ Board I would like to thank Margaret for her work during her time and we wish her well for her next adventures.”

Registrations are Now Open for the Premier Dairy Conference in New Zealand

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 00:02:39 GMT

South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2024 Celebrates 25 Years of Empowering Farmers

The highly anticipated South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) is back for its 25th year, bringing together farmers from across the South Island for a two-day conference filled with valuable workshops and expert speakers. This year's event will take place at Lincoln University, Canterbury from June 24th to June 26th, offering attendees the opportunity to gain insight into cutting-edge research and network with like-minded individuals.

"This is an event like no other," said Jonny Hoets, Event Chair of SIDE 2024. "It's not just about learning new strategies or techniques; it's about embracing change and excelling through challenges."

Registrations are now open for SIDE 2024, which promises a lineup of workshop topics that address key issues facing South Island dairy farmers today. With keynote speakers including ex Australian SASR medic Dan Pronk , Fonterra's Chief Science & Technology Officer Jeremy Hill , and Hemprino and Meat the Need founder Siobhan O'Malley on board, attendees can expect to be inspired by industry leaders who are paving the way for success in their industries.

"We believe that empowering dairy farmers is crucial to creating positive opportunities for growth," said Hoets. "By attending SIDE 2024, participants will have the chance to learn how to improve their businesses while adapting to changing consumer demands and regulatory requirements."

In addition to informative workshops and expert presentations, attendees can opt in to visiting Lincoln University's research farms on Monday, June 24th. This field trip will provide a firsthand look at the latest research programs being conducted at Ashley Dean and Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm (LURDF), offering valuable insights into innovative practices that could benefit their own operations.

BrightSIDE is also back and this year participants will kick off their day by joining the main SIDE event at Lincoln University in the morning before heading to Ashley Dene, one of Lincoln University's research farms. Here they will rotate through various workshops focusing on different aspects of farming, such as hoof trimming, pasture management, and calving and reproduction.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, expand your knowledge base, and invest in your team's development. Join us at Lincoln University from June 24th-26th for SIDE 2024 - where excellence meets innovation in New Zealand's premier dairy conference.

Farmers share their favourite bits of pocket tech

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:08:03 GMT

Story by Neal Wallce from Farmers Weekly NZ, who attended SIDE.

Stu Russell was in Invercargill when the alert came.

The Ashburton dairy farmer was at the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) when a message on his smartphone told him that a newly purchased heifer from the North Island had started calving, well before of the rest of his herd.

She was with a herd being wintered on kale but the alert via a telephone app allowed staff to quickly move her onto pasture.

“It’s real-time data, it’s easy to get the phone out and check,” he told a session at SIDE on the use of smartphone apps.

Three farmers spoke about how phone apps assist with the running of their farms.

The smaXtec app that notified Russell his heifer was about to calf is linked to a bolus in a cow’s rumen and sends alerts about activities such as coming on heat or giving birth.

His other go-to is FieldNET, an app that assists with the monitoring of irrigation by merging information on weather, soil moisture through soil probes, pump performance, allowing operators to adjust water application rates.

Having the information arrive on his telephone makes it easy to monitor performance and make immediate changes.

Southland dairy farmer Tracy Henderson said she and husband Steve use WhatsApp to communicate with their five full-time and two part-time staff.

She said the app allows them to post notices as diverse as observations about individual animals, infrastructure, the completion of jobs or general notices.

Having an observation or issue recorded on the app means the next person knows exactly what has happened or what needs to happen next.

“It’s an easy, one-stop place.”

The fact that communication can be via video, voice or the written word caters for everyone’s strengths.

For example, keeping a record of an activity that is centralised in the system is as simple as taking a picture of a newly cleaned farm bike, acknowledging the arrival on farm of drench or chemicals or that a backing fence has been erected behind stock grazing winter crops, to prove compliance.

Another app Henderson uses is Resolution, which she describes as an e-diary of all the data and details of the farm.

It collates details about the farm, such as fertiliser application, maps of the farm or infrastructure.

For example, if there is a water leak, Resolution provides staff with a map of water lines, allowing them to track where the fault is and repair it.

Contractors coming on farm to do earthworks or other tasks can be added to the app so they know the positioning of water lines and other infrastructure.

It also makes time recording easy.

“It’s piece of mind having everything in one place.”

Being compatible with Lead with Pride and FarmIQ adds to the usefulness of Resolution, she said.

“We had an audit by OSPRI and we had all the information in one place.

“Pretty much any information you want recorded is there. I liken it to a large filing cabinet.”

Luke Templeton, who farms near Riverton, uses HALO farm’s effluent monitoring system and said it provides instant information and alerts by text of faults with water schemes and systems such as with their vat.

“It has saved us multiple times, for example the paddle not turning.”

Another app he uses is MINDA, which provides instant online information and monitoring of tag numbers, preventing a doubling up and simplifying the process.

The programme can be extended to include details on individual animals, and Templeton said this season he is adding body score information.

He said staff enjoy working with apps as they make their job easier and reduce the risk of error.

If you want staff to do more, he said, this gives them the tools and power to enable that.

He welcomes the ability to book space online with meat processors for bobby calves but would like it extended to cull cows.

Henderson said when considering an app, it needs to fit the team and the farm system.

“We find the more you use it, the more you empower your staff and the more we get back.”

How one bus is breaking barriers to women's health in the south

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:27:05 GMT

Story by Lauren Pattemore of Crux News

In Queenstown on Monday 10 July to conduct seven colposcopies were Woman’s Health Bus co-directors Helen Paterson and Alice van Zijl, who routinely park up outside the hospital every month.

The seven women seen were all saved a drive down to Invercargill - and the added costs incurred with it.

The Woman’s Health Bus, or Te Waka Wāhine Hauora, started as a non-profit four years ago, after gynaecologist Dr Paterson saw Otago and Southland women becoming victims of their own geography, with distance becoming a barrier to accessing healthcare.

An early source of inspiration for the idea, Dr Paterson says there was a 2016 study conducted on the cost to a person for a hospital visit - for those living in Dunedin it cost $80 to access their nearest hospital, but for Central Otago residents the figure jumped to more than $700.

One of the rooms inside the health bus, which Dr Paterson drives herself.

“(For Dunedin) you have to get an hour off work, you've got to drive and get parking...but if you live in Central Otago, let's say you have to travel, sometimes you have to stay overnight, you have to pay for childcare and that's all added up.”

Ms van Zijl is a trained nurse, who also ran her own primary care practice in Cromwell alongside her husband.

She says working in primary health care and caring for female patients, you “definitely see a lot of women that are frustrated” , but the bus helps ease that frustration.

“Over the years, they’ve (women) been told that their heavy periods were normal, and ‘that's just part of being a woman’ and things like that.

“I don't necessarily think that that's done with malice, but there's just not enough time. I think primary health has just got so complex."

The bus has provided a win for Central Otago when it comes to colposcopy services.

This is generally the follow-up to an abnormal smear test and 18 months ago the procedure was not available in Central Otago.

Now, the Woman’s Health Bus is contracted by Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ to take it on.

When they started doing the contract, the option was so popular for local women they were choosing to hold off on trips to Dunedin or Invercargill in favour of catching the bus next time it was parked up in their neighbourhood.

The demand was recognised by Te Whatu Ora, who made the call two months ago to also send staff up to Dunstan Hospital in Clyde regularly to attend to Central Otago women needing a colposcopy.

The Health Bus outside a shearing shed, at the 'Shear for a Cause' 24-hour Shearathon (Source: Facebook).

With some of its time freed up the Woman’s Health bus is now looking for more funding to take on another project, to meet another women's health need.

On their wish list, a Point of Care diagnostic machine, which allows results of a swab to be delivered within an hour.

There’s still plenty of work to do, with 25,000 women unscreened in the Southern region, Dr Paterson says.

At the end of last month, they borrowed a Point of Care machine and parked up at the South Island Dairy Event, allowing them provide a faster diagnostic service to women in attendance.

They were able to swab women, take down their phone numbers, and call them back within an hour with their results.

Through ventures like this, the Woman’s Health Bus team also became aware they are addressing another barrier they didn’t realise existed: there’s some people who don't like hospitals.

“That is a barrier we didn’t think about, because for us hospitals are an easy place to go because we’re used to it, but a lot people don’t feel like they’re good, happy places,” Dr Paterson says.

"There’s a lot of people who come through the door and say, 'We're really pleased that we’re not in the hospital’…some people, they've had a bad event in the hospital.”

The bus covers “basically anything considered sexual and reproductive healthcare” , including colposcopy, contraception, menopause symptoms and abnormal bleeding, and the aim, is not to rush through the appointments, but provide holistic care.

They see anywhere from seven to ten patients a shift, with half of these being self-referrals and the other coming from hospital or primary health care referrals.

The bus is about “breaking down the inequity of rurality” so people can get the healthcare they need, Dr Paterson says.

The bus is even designed to park up at a shearing shed, which has been done.

The running of the bus is sustainable, Dr Paterson says, however, it did use the revenue of a property sale to get it off the ground, which Dr Paterson and her husband lent to the non-profit as an interest free loan.

“My husband said, you keep talking about a bus. Why don't you just go and do it?” , Dr Paterson says.

Their hope is for the bus model to be replicated in other parts of New Zealand, where distance and cost is a barrier for other populations.

“We have a country that is very rural, and southern is very rural, so we have a particular problem with it. But it applies to Northland, it applies to East Cape.”

DairyNZ welcomes new Chief Executive: Campbell Parker

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:20:12 GMT

Campbell joins DairyNZ from GEA Farm Technologies NZ

The Waikato-based executive brings a wealth of experience to the role and is excited to be stepping into DairyNZ at such a pivotal time for the dairy sector.

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel is pleased with the expertise Campbell brings to the chief executive role, including extensive experience in the rural and corporate sectors. Campbell joins DairyNZ from GEA Farm Technologies NZ, where he has been CEO since 2020.

“Recruiting a new chief executive who is passionate about dairy farming and its future has been hugely important to us – alongside leadership skills to continue DairyNZ’s positive direction, as an organisation here first and foremost to represent our dairy farmers,” said Mr van der Poel.

“Campbell brings significant leadership and sector experience that will be invaluable to both DairyNZ’s senior team and in supporting and representing our farmer levy payers, in a wide range of forums.

“Campbell is passionate about agriculture and, in particular, supporting New Zealand dairy to continue as a world-leading sector. We are pleased to welcome Campbell to the team.”

With over 25 years experience in agriculture, Campbell’s held previous roles with PGG Wrightson, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) and Ballance Agri-Nutrients. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture, majoring in Rural Valuation from Massey University and grew up on a sheep, beef and dairy grazing farm.

Mr Parker is excited by the opportunity to contribute to dairy farming in a new and challenging role.

“I am genuinely humbled and excited to be joining DairyNZ as the next chief executive. I am passionate about the role the dairy sector plays in creating jobs, building communities, and contributing to the success of the New Zealand economy,” said Mr Parker.

“It is important to build on the good work Tim and the team have done over the past decade, and to keep that moving – working collaboratively to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability of the sector.”

Mr van der Poel also thanks departing chief executive, Dr Tim Mackle, for his significant service to DairyNZ and its farmers.

“Tim has been a true advocate for our dairy farmers and a steadying force at DairyNZ, during a period of significant change and challenge for the dairy sector,” said Mr van der Poel.

“His knowledge, expertise and tireless passion for dairy will be missed. We thank Tim for his commitment to farmers and wish him all the very best.”

An acting chief executive, Peter Scott, will be in place until Campbell joins DairyNZ in October.