ELEVEN dairy farmers and dairy industry professionals have embarked on an eight day journey across New Zealand’s South Island to explore its dairy sector and develop their leadership skills.
Beginning in Christchurch, the group will visit farms, research facilities, industry organisations and dairy businesses across Canterbury and Southland, with a focus on innovation, sustainability and leadership within the global dairy sector.
Participants will gain insights into New Zealand’s dairy systems and hear directly from farmers, scientists, industry leaders and rural leadership organisations about how the sector is navigating challenges and opportunities.
The Gardiner Foundation has supported the New Zealand Study Tour since 2008. Delivered in partnership with Australian Dairy Conference and supported by Australian Dairy Farmers and the Australian Dairy Products Federation, the tour aims to strengthen leadership capability across the dairy industry.
Leading the tour is Gardiner Foundation’s People and Community Development Projects Coordinator Ashley Rosewarne, with experienced dairy industry leader Chris Griffin facilitating the program.
Throughout the tour, participants will visit a range of organisations including Federated Farmers of New Zealand, Synlait, Livestock Improvement Corporation, the South Island Dairy Demonstration Centre and the Southern Dairy Hub, alongside visits to commercial dairy farms and industry networks.
Gardiner Foundation CEO Allan Cameron said the tour provides a valuable opportunity for emerging leaders in the dairy industry to broaden their perspectives and strengthen their leadership skills.
“The New Zealand Study Tour gives participants the chance to step outside their own farming systems and learn from a globally recognised dairy industry. Experiences like this help build the leadership capability our industry needs by connecting people, ideas and innovation.”
Participants will also take part in leadership development sessions, industry networking opportunities and team building activities throughout the week.
The 2026 New Zealand Study Tour participants are:
Anneka Pellett (Westbury, Victoria);
Brooke Hewett (Tongala, Victoria);
Emily James (Scottsdale, Tasmania);
Jamie Collins (Dingee, Victoria);
Jeremy Sargent (Wagga Wagga, NSW);
Kiara McJames (Pound Creek, Victoria);
Larah Thexton (Drouin South, Victoria);
Luke Johnson (Neerim South, Victoria);
Owen Johnstone (Biggara Valley, Victoria);
Richard McGrath (Leongatha, Victoria), and;
Stephanie Paul (Gippsland, Victoria).
