Dairy Women’s Network Names 2026 Regional Leader Award Finalists
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
The award, sponsored by FMG, celebrates members of DWN’s Regional Leader programme.
“Our Regional Leaders across New Zealand are women who believe in helping their communities, connecting their rural networks, and in supporting individuals,” says Benton.
“They often juggle running a farm, families, are heavily involved in their communities – and then are our volunteer Regional Leaders as well; organising, attending and often inspiring events in their communities,” she says.
“I’m thrilled to see these three amazing women become finalists.”
The award will be presented later this year at the Gala dinner of the DWN 2023 Conference, which is themed “Brighter, Braver, Bolder”. Here are the three finalists:
Emily Williams
Farming near Oxford, North Canterbury, Emily Williams is described as someone who is always willing to help and support others.
She aims to become a better leader and has created a positive impact in a short time in the Regional Leader role.
Last year, Williams was involved in a series of social nights and book swaps, designed to get women reading and taking time for themselves off-farm.
She has also arranged a Pink Ribbon Breakfast for Selwyn and North Canterbury DWN members who will learn from a stage 3 breast cancer survivor and local fudge maker for the first week in May.
Rachel Usmar
Based in Matamata, Rachel Usmar is a fulltime AB technician for LIC.
She has found a passion in teaching others and is mentoring and inspiring young women, working alongside Primary ITO to attract women into the dairy sector.
Usmar has also set up a native plant nursery, donating plants to local schools while teaching them about the different varieties and how to plant them onto a nearby dairy farm.
This year, as well as working as a Regional Leader, Usmar has been on the organising committee for the 2023 Brighter Braver Bolder DWN conference as well as her work as a member of the DWN Te Awamutu Business Group.
Roseanne Megaw
Roseanne Megaw has had a varied career over the years.
As well as farming in Canterbury, Megaw has been a teacher at her local preschool, and a wellness coach. She posts about her life on-farm and life as a mum on Instagram under the username @living.life.with.rosie.
Megaw is described as someone who is passionate about encouraging women in the dairy sector and wants to inspire other women to reach their potential.
