Ahead of the 2026 General Election, DairyNZ has identified six priorities for the next Government that will help farmers continue improving productivity, environmental outcomes and animal welfare while strengthening New Zealand's largest export sector.
Developed with farmers and informed by science and on-farm expertise, these priorities focus on where practical, evidence-based policy can provide greater certainty, encourage investment and support the long-term success of the dairy sector.
Our priorities
We are calling on the next Government to:
- Get our resource management and freshwater systems right.
- Build and fund a strong biosecurity system.
- Strengthen the dairy workforce.
- Boost science funding and accelerate technology uptake.
- Promote low-emissions technology and invest in rural infrastructure.
- Back strong animal welfare rules.
Together, these priorities support a dairy sector that is productive, globally competitive and resilient, with a sustainable footprint enabled by science, innovation and practical policy.
Why this matters
Government decisions shape how dairy farmers operate — from environmental regulation and biosecurity to workforce capability, infrastructure and access to new technology.
Through its work with farmers across New Zealand, DairyNZ understands how policy affects farming businesses in practice. Our election priorities identify where the next Government can create the conditions for continued investment, innovation and environmental progress while supporting a strong, competitive dairy sector.
By advocating for practical, evidence-based policy, DairyNZ is helping ensure farmers' expertise informs the decisions that will shape the future of the sector.
Learn more
Download our booklet for more information on DairyNZ's election priorities and the practical actions we're calling for.
