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.
Rankin, the 2019 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, says the elevation to the role of chair is “a privilege” she is looking forward to.
She replaces Karen Forlong, who will remain on the board in a new role as chair support.
Rankin is looking forward to working with Forlong over the coming months to learn more about the role.
“Governing an organisation that has a strong vision to enable transformation change in dairy businesses is so crucial in enabling the dairy industry to thrive,” she says.
Rankin says the DWN has played a big role in her life as a dairy farmer.
Over the years, Rankin has valued her membership with DWN in building her knowledge, skills and friendships. She recognises the wide reach of the organisation and the opportunities available for members and industry partners to come together to empower people in the dairying and agriculture sector.
Forlong says it has been a humbling privilege to be the chair for the last two and a half years.
She says her new role will allow her to pass her knowledge onto Rankin and still have a voice around the board table to support the DWN.
