People Expo 2026
Stepping up or stepping back - Planning your next stage in dairy farming
Hosted by DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network, this year’s People Expo events are designed for dairy farmers who are thinking seriously about what’s next.
Whether you’re a farm owner planning your next stage, or an emerging leader ready to take on more responsibility, People Expo brings together high‑quality speakers and respected farmers to share real‑world experience.
You’ll be part of practical, honest conversations about progression and succession, gain tools you can use straight away, and leave with greater clarity and confidence about your next step – for yourself, your team and your business.
If you’re a farm owner, farm manager, contract milker, sharemilker or equity partner, join us at People Expo to find out how high-performance leadership can transform your life, team and business.
Our events
| Location | Date/Time | To register |
|---|---|---|
| Manawatu Golf Course Palmerston North |
Tuesday 16 June, 10.30am-2.30pm Registration from 10am Lunch provided |
Register here |
| Te Awamutu Presbyterian Church Te Awamutu |
Thursday 18 June, 10.30am-2.30pm Registration from 10am Lunch provided |
Register here |
| Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill |
Tuesday 30 June, 12.00pm-4.00pm Lunch and registration from 11.30am |
Register here |
| Dunsandel Community Centre Dunsandel |
Thursday 2 July, 12.00pm-4.00pm Lunch and registration from 11.30am |
Register here |
Our speakers
James Laughlin
People Expo 2026 will be headlined by James Laughlin, author of the best-selling book and chart-topping podcast 'Habits of High Performers'.
James is at the forefront of high-performance leadership and personal mastery, earning global recognition as a pioneering strategist in the field. He is a trusted advisor to leaders and teams at the highest level.
As a sought-after international keynote speaker, James captivates and inspires diverse audiences worldwide with his compelling insights and transformative messages, equipping individuals and organisations with clarity, conviction, and the tools to achieve extraordinary results.
James Laughlin, author of the best-selling book and chart-topping podcast 'Habits of High Performers'
Greg Duncan
Greg is Dairy Australia’s farm business lead, who works nationally with partners and farmers to build stronger, more resilient businesses.
For the People Expo, he will host a panel of leading local farmers, who will share their stories of succession and progression, the rationale behind their decisions, and the leadership those decisions required.
Greg Duncan, Dairy Australia farm business lead
Event showcase - local farmer panel
Each event will showcase two contrasting local dairy farm businesses, providing a practical, side‑by‑side view of how different people and leadership models succeed in today’s dairy sector.
- Farm One will feature a farm owner operating a sharemilker or contract milker arrangement.
- Farm Two will feature a farm owner operating an employed model, such as leading a highly capable farm manager or operations manager.
At each event, both leaders from each farm will take part. The panel will explore:
- Why the farm owner chose their particular business and people model.
- How that decision supports their long‑term goals and business resilience.
- The leadership required day‑to‑day and strategically to make the model work.
From the sharemilker, contract milker, or farm manager perspective, the discussion will also uncover:
- Why they chose their career pathway.
- The leadership skills, capabilities, and relationships needed to be successful and fulfilled in that role.
Together, these real‑world stories will give attendees practical insight, relatable experiences, and leadership lessons they can apply to their own farm businesses.
Event programme
- Registration
- Welcome and an insight into NZ’s dairy farming workforce | Jane Muir
- Defining what success looks like for you and your business | James Laughlin
- Local farmer panel | Greg Duncan
- Workshops:
- Farm owners | James Laughlin
- Sharemilkers, contract milkers, farm managers and aspiring leaders | Greg Duncan
- The beliefs, habits and actions required to deliver your goals | James Laughlin
- Close
