Roger Lincoln

Roger’s team might not always see their work “up in shining lights”, but they do have influence: and he says it’s the work behind the scenes that helps get things over the line.

“I love coaching my team and helping them to deliver on our collective response to various national and local government policies that affect dairy farmers,” says Roger. “Government regulation and legislation determines whether and how our farmers can farm – so it’s important.

“Our team is often reacting or pre-empting any issues around that and supporting farmers by bringing their voice into solutions or finding better ways of doing things using more sensible, pragmatic and affordable rules.”

Most days you’ll find Roger commissioning work and helping shape DairyNZ’s views and positions on policy.

“For example, I help guide our engagement with farmers on the Government’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. This involves a lot of interactions with various stakeholders: coffee dates can sometimes prove to be a cheap investment! Every day is different, and always intellectually rewarding.”

Having worked in Government and alongside Ministers, Roger is well-versed in the machinery of policymaking.

“It’s refreshing to be on the other side of the fence, though, where the grass is definitely greener. Plus, because I know how officials operate and how Ministers tick, I’m quick to recognise where we’re getting the runaround and where we can make a difference.”

Roger says DairyNZ’s comparative advantage is its expertise in science and farm systems.

“That gives us credibility and a solid foundation. We work across the agriculture sector, with the dairy processors and with Beef + Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers. That way, we’re not cutting across each other and we can play to our respective strengths.

“One of the best parts of this job though is working with clever individuals to bring out their best and help harness better outcomes for farmers: that’s a good reward for me. Come have a chat, we’re refreshingly open, approachable and honest about what we’re doing.”

• Find out more about DairyNZ's other policy team members.
• Learn more about DairyNZ's policy, advocacy and regulation work on behalf of farmers.