Sara Tairi

Building strong relationships and creating opportunities through partnership is at the heart of Sara's work.

As part of DairyNZ's Māori Engagement and Partnerships team, she helps strengthen engagement with Māori across the dairy sector and supports the integration of te ao Māori perspectives into projects and initiatives. Her role focuses on connecting people, building trusted relationships and creating opportunities that deliver value for farmers and the wider industry.

A key part of Sara's work involves collaborating with organisations across the primary sector to identify opportunities for partnership and shared outcomes. Guided by the values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and mahitahi, she enjoys bringing people together, finding common ground and helping turn ideas into action.

She is also passionate about supporting future leaders through DairyNZ's Māori internship programme, which helps tertiary students gain practical experience, build industry connections and explore careers in the dairy sector.

"Meeting talented rangatahi and seeing their enthusiasm for science, the environment and dairying gives me confidence in the future of our industry. Watching former interns go on to further study or start their careers is always a proud moment."

Before joining DairyNZ, Sara worked in human resources, recruitment, teaching, facilitation and project management. Alongside her involvement with her marae and iwi, this experience helps her build relationships and support collaboration.

Attending the Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards is a highlight for Sara.

"The innovation and leadership showcased through the awards is inspiring. It reinforces what can be achieved when people work together with a long-term focus."

Outside of work, Sara enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two young boys, whose curiosity reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for future generations. And while she now spends plenty of time on farms, she's still happy to admit that her first pair of gumboots was a $20 blue leopard-print pair from The Warehouse.

Sara believes there are many opportunities for farmers, Māori organisations and industry partners to create positive outcomes through collaboration.

"Our team is here to help build connections, bring the right people together and support opportunities from the early idea stage through to delivery. Kōrero mai, we'd love to connect."