Tim Rutherford

Tim says the best part of his role is seeing tangible change on the ground, especially after talking and working directly with farmers while visiting their farms and catchments.

“Seeing farmers implement positive environmental initiatives, such as wetlands, riparian planting, and edge-of-field mitigations – is deeply rewarding,” explains Tim. “They come to see these initiatives as valuable farm assets and take great pride in improving outcomes for their farms, their communities, and future generations.”

Previously a policy specialist at DairyNZ, Tim’s now returned to his environmental roots.

“My role supports farmers across a wide range of issues, from environmental rules and compliance, through to voluntary farmer- or catchment group-led actions,” says Tim. “I also work with a range of sector partners to develop tools and resources.”

Environmental improvement starts with people: what motivates them and what enables change, explains Tim. “Finding out the ‘why’ behind recommended practices gives farmers and the wider community confidence in both the purpose and benefits of change.”

By necessity, farmers are generalists, and that’s where DairyNZ can add value.

“They can’t be across every issue or area, so our specialist knowledge can help farmers face complex challenges. For example, by providing them with practical tools and resources, supported by tailored, on-the-ground support from DairyNZ’s regional teams.

“They gain insight into the latest science and research, and access to leading specialists who can help fine-tune their systems. We also gain a clearer understanding of the real-world challenges farmers face, to ensure our work remains practical, relevant, and achievable.”

Tim says DairyNZ’s Solutions and Development people also bring a longer-term view into the picture. “Our strong understanding of dairy farming fundamentals combines with expertise across specialist areas. There’s very little we haven’t encountered or can’t help with, by focusing on what’s best for farms, catchments, the wider dairy sector, its people and its communities – both now and into the future.”

• Find out more about DairyNZ's other specialist team members.
• Check out our research team and our regional teams.