International Day of Rural Women: Two DairyNZ Farmers’ Stories
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
The one-year role supports levy-paying farmers who are actively involved in the sector by providing leadership development, hands-on experience, and mentorship from the eight current DairyNZ board members, helping build pathways into future governance roles.
Williamson, who will begin the role on 1 June 2026, farms in the Culverden area and is known for his roles with Synlait (farmer leadership team) and Amuri Irrigation Company.
DairyNZ's associate director selection panel chair and board member Richard McIntyre says Williamson has everything the selection panel was looking for.
"He is a farmer who has been investing time into the community and investing his own funds into professional development. He feels at the right stage of family and business development to test the waters with a national role; the panel agrees."
Williamson says he is delighted to have been chosen for the role.
"I applied because I am committed to the dairy industry and want to be able to contribute to its future direction. I'm looking forward to joining the board in the exciting times of levy renewal."
Incumbent associate director, Northland farmer Greg Collins, has been heavily involved in all discussions about the recent Milksolids Levy vote and says the experience working with the DairyNZ board has been insightful.
"I encourage everybody interested in the dairy industry and governance to keep their eyes open for the opportunity to be considered for the role in 2027," he says.
McIntyre says Collins has taken every opportunity given to him during his time in the role.
"He came to the board with experience through the Fonterra Cooperative Council and Northland Dairy Development Trust and has proven his worth. We are sade to see him go but suspect that his future is bright in governance; he is an asset to the dairy industry," he says.
The changeover will occur next month, when both the current and future associate directors attend DairyNZ's May board meeting.
"This is an important part of education. The 'how far I've come' moment embeds the positives for the current associate and inspires the new person," says McIntyre.
McIntyre previously held the associate director role in 2020 and knows how much the experience can assist.
"The role is what you make of it. Put in the time and the benefits follow."
