Hinehou Timutimu Named 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year for Leadership

Hinehou Timutimu, General Manager of Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust, was announced as the 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year during a gala dinner at the Dairy Women's Network Conference in Christchurch. This annual award celebrates women who exhibit leadership and dedication to the dairy industry.

Timutimu is praised for her unique approach in combining mātauranga Māori, or Māori knowledge, with western science to improve dairy farm performance and enhance climate resilience. Her leadership philosophy is encapsulated in the Māori saying 'Ka ora ai te whenua, Ka ora ai te tangata,' which translates to 'When the Land thrives, the People thrive.'

Her initiatives include Project Te Aroha, which focuses on increasing dairy productivity and reducing emissions through herd genomics and regenerative farming. She also leads He Whāriki mō Paekoau, a catchment restoration programme, and Kua Āmio ki Tōna Tīmatanga, which involves creating bilingual resources for cultural and environmental education.

In 2025, Timutimu represented New Zealand as an expert speaker at the APEC Technical Cooperation Workshop in Bangkok, where she contributed to discussions on women's economic empowerment and sustainable agriculture. She holds various governance credentials and is Vice Chair of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Anne Douglas, Group Director of Fonterra Farm Source, commended Timutimu for her ability to integrate Māori knowledge with modern farming practices, describing her as an inspiring leader who contributes significantly to the sector's future.

Timutimu will receive a scholarship to participate in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, which includes mentoring and access to Dairy Women's Network and Fonterra platforms for further research.