Cameron Henderson

First elected October 2023, next election October 2026.

Positive, progressive and pragmatic. This is the approach I take on farm, in sector leadership, and what I will bring to DairyNZ.

Together with my wife Sarah, two young kids and our awesome farm team, we milk 750 cows on 240ha near Oxford, North Canterbury. We also lease a further 250 ha for dairy support and arable.

I have worked in various roles for many years to improve outcomes for farmers. Starting with my time at Fonterra in supply chain strategy, then later at DairyNZ as a farm systems developer. I have served as provincial president for Federated Farmers and advised on regional policy with Environment Canterbury.

Nationally, I was the only working farmer on the He Waka Eke Noa steering group and now sit on the board of Ballance Agri-nutrients.

I am excited about the future of dairy, but we must have practical and science lead solutions, on farm and in policy. DairyNZ has a lead role in delivering both but needs to be better connected with its levy payers, listening not lecturing, and being more strategic about when to represent farmers and when to lead farmers. With Colin stepping down, it is vital an equally positive, progressive, and pragmatic South Island voice remains at the DairyNZ board table.