Regional leader award
Eastern Bay of Plenty farmer Rebecca O’Brien was named the 2024 Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) Regional Leader of the Year.
“We’re excited to have Gemma share her journey with us as a well-known ambassador for women’s health and wellness,” says conference chair Renee Fa’atui.
“Through her career, she has gained knowledge into teamwork and resilience, and as a mum she’s learnt how to balance work, home and family – something many of our attendees are going through as well,” Fa’atui says.
As well as the keynote sessions, each conference will feature workshops on freshwater policy, and investment and diversification,
“Our regional conference chairs are working hard to lock in presenters who align with their regions and make sure each programme is personalised,” says Fa’atui.
“Farmers will hear from other farmers, but women will also hear from other women about their challenges and personal wins outside the farming journey.”
“Our priority is really making sure that each region has a chance to celebrate their dairy women.”
The decision was made to reinvent the traditional conference following the success of the DWN2020 online conference.
“While we know our members appreciate the chance to get together, some women may struggle to get off the farm for a few days to travel to a national location.”
Conference dates
Taupo: 18 April 2021
Ashburton: 13 April 2021
Queenstown: 15 April 2021
