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.
O’Brien started her career in tourism before moving into sharemilking and now manages a 1000-cow herd across two dairy farms in Galatea.
It was this move that led her to connect with her community, ultimately taking up leadership opportunities. In addition to dairy farming, she mentors staff who are training with Primary ITO, and volunteers in her local community.
“Rebecca has been an instrumental part of the growth of the Eastern Bay of Plenty chapter of DWN, creating a sense of inclusivity among its members, community clubs, supporting businesses, and the DWN team,” says DWN chief executive Jules Benton.
“She embodies DWN’s value of seizing opportunities and has improved the lives of those in the network and her community,” she says.
“She has an innate ability to influence people, encourage them to take opportunities, and make a difference.
"She is so well deserving of the Regional Leader of the Year award."
