New Zealand Dairy Awards 2026 Celebrate Innovation and Leadership

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards for 2026 recognized outstanding contributions to the sector, focusing on productivity, sustainability, and leadership. DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker noted the importance of these awards in showcasing the innovation within the dairy sector and highlighting successful farming practices.

Scott and Stacey Mackereth were awarded the prestigious Farmers of the Year title for their contract milking work with Fortuna Group at Edendale. The couple impressed judges with their support for staff, notably through the implementation of the Te Whare Tapa Whā holistic Māori health model. They also received the DairyNZ People & Culture Award, the Trelleborg Sustainable Pasture Award, and the Federated Farmers Leadership Award.

In the Dairy Manager category, Lauren McConnachie of Theland Farm Group was recognized for her theoretical knowledge and structured management approach, milking 2,170 cows on 563 hectares. Annie Gill received the DairyNZ People & Leadership Award in this category. Mark Ready was named Dairy Trainee of the Year, having saved to buy his first line of cows and set a timeline for achieving herd ownership. Jack Foster won the DairyNZ Practical Skills Award among trainees.

Sustainability efforts were acknowledged as Tony Dodunski won the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award for his contributions in the Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora catchment. Alvaro Luzardo and Ximena Puig from Eketāhuna were awarded the ASB Alumni of the Year title. The Fonterra and ASB First Farm Award was shared by Johno and Tania Burrows, Jonathon and Stacey Hoets, and Marc and Nia Jones.

Additionally, former DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel was honored with a special award for his long-standing service to the dairy industry. His contributions over more than 40 years in farming and governance were acknowledged by the Dairy Industry Awards Trust chair, Paulette Johns, who emphasized his sustained and influential leadership.