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.
She collected her award, celebrating the unsung heroes of rural communities, at a gala dinner recently during Dairy Women’s Network’s conference in Rotorua, an event marking the network’s 20th year.
Leonard milks 400 cows at Oruanui, Taupo, with her husband Rick and daughters Kate, Isla and Eloise. Her family has long farmed on the Central Plateau; her grandparents walked from Te Aroha, in Waikato, to Reporoa to set up their dairy farm in the 1950s.
Leonard trained as a teacher, then in 2011 she and her husband went into a farm equity partnership with her parents; now she milks and rears calves while teaching children with learning disabilities part-time.
She says the award honours her promotion of the dairy farming lifestyle.
“The dairy industry is in my heart and soul, and seeing others involved and succeeding is a great feeling.
“For me, connection is all about authenticity and inclusion – whether that’s sharing a positive story about the industry or putting my hand up to question something. I pride myself on being a positive role model to others.”
Leonard regularly promotes and hosts visits to her farm by playcentres, kindergartens, primary schools, colleges and visitors.
“Sharing a positive story and my love for our cows and our land is something I aim to do daily -- on social media, at school, at an event or socialising. I never let an opportunity to share go past.
“Long-term I would love to encourage more people to enter our industry and help them take advantage of the wonderful opportunities out there.”
Leonard also supports AgITO students, chairs her children’s school’s board of trustees, is patron of Taupo Family Playcentre and is on the Taupo board of the Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP).
Dairy Women’s Network chief executive Zelda de Villiers says Leonard’s passion for dairy farming and her community shows in all she does.
“She’s a big supporter of diversity in the farming workplace and is always the first to lend a hand on the farm or help someone through a personal issue,” says de Villiers.
“It was clear to us that Kylie is someone very visible in her community and leading by example. Her passion for the dairy industry is infectious, and her dedication to sharing her passion, knowledge and skills make her a truly worthy recipient of the award.”
Leonard will receive a scholarship, sponsored by ASB and Tompkins Wake, to attend the Community and Enterprise Leadership Programme at the University of Waikato.
