Denis Aitken has been appointed Holstein Friesian New Zealand's new patron
Denis Aitken, a prominent figure in Otago's dairy farming and breeding circles, has been appointed as the new patron of Holstein Friesian New Zealand (HFNZ), succeeding the esteemed Brian Knutson, who served as HFNZ Patron for several years until his retirement in 2022.
Accepting the honor, Aitken expressed gratitude and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with advocating for the Holstein Friesian breed. Having served in various capacities within the dairy industry, he recognized the significance of the position and aims to uphold the legacy of his predecessor.
Reflecting on Brian Knutson's contributions, Aitken emphasized the invaluable lessons learned and praised Knutson's generosity in sharing knowledge and expertise.
Awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in May 2021 for his dedicated service to the dairy industry and community, Aitken resides with his wife Judy on part of their former home dairy farm, "The Gums." Their family is actively involved in dairy farming, with their sons Andrew and James managing farms in proximity.
While Denis and Judy maintain a financial interest in the farms, Denis is not directly engaged in day-to-day operations. Describing himself as the "odd-job man," he dedicates time to a support farm 40km away in Middlemarch.
Aitken's involvement with HFNZ spans various roles, including classifier, judge, director, president, and participation in the World Holstein Friesian Federation (WHFF) Type Harmonisation Working Group. His commitment to advancing the Holstein Friesian breed is evident in his diverse contributions, tackling challenges and promoting recognition within the dairy industry.
HFNZ, catering to a wide spectrum of members with varying interests in the breed, holds a special place in Aitken's heart. From those focused on showcasing the breed to others emphasizing herd indices, he recognizes the association's social and networking aspects as crucial components of the dairy industry lifestyle.
Aitken, passionate about mentoring young individuals entering the industry, acknowledges the satisfaction derived from supporting their establishment. He attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife, Judy.
In his new role as patron, Denis Aitken is poised to represent Holstein Friesian NZ at events, with invitations channeled through the HFNZ office.
