Backing the next generation
This summer, DairyNZ welcomed a new cohort of interns who joined our science or Māori internship programmes.
Inside Dairy
2 min read
Video 03:33 min
Meet the science interns
DairyNZ’s science intern programme is designed to support the next generation of scientists while strengthening the future of New Zealand’s dairy sector. The programme offers hands‑on experience across a wide range of scientific disciplines, with interns working on a variety of projects, including on-farm time, sampling, data analysis, and engaging with farmers. Interns also gain exposure to other parts of the organisation and the wider sector.
The 2026 programme received almost 200 applicants for the four available places; many weren’t from farms but brought incredible skills and fresh perspectives. Several interns are now exploring their next steps in the dairy sector. Keep an eye on the DairyNZ website and social channels for future opportunities like this.
Ella Wilson
From: Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington
Studying: Completed a Master’s in Conservation Biology with distinction at Victoria University in October 2025. Now hoping to start a PhD at Lincoln University later this year.
Hands-on this summer:
- Analysed three years of calf liveweight data from Ngāi Tahu Farming’s Te Whenua Hou Te Whenua Whitiora project to compare a regenerative vs conventional dairy system.
- Developed models that could potentially help predict milestone weights of calves and investigated herd, year and sex interactions to assess system-level differences.
- Found, despite faster growth on the regenerative system, both herds reached weaning weight at a similar time, showing that multispecies pastures can support comparable pre-weaning performance.
Belle Yong
From: Auckland
Studying: Final semester, Bachelor of Science majoring in Computer Science at the University of Auckland.
Hands-on this summer: Worked on the early stages of the Resilient Pasture Programme, processing NIWA climate data to explore how seasonal patterns affect pasture growth.
- Compared wearable data with progesterone data, analysing accuracy across different lactation groups.
- Participated in weekly farm walks, observing pasture growth and rating paddocks.
- Developed stronger skills in data analysis and modelling, and gained hands-on insights into farming systems.
Sofia Skinner
From: Auckland
Studying: Fourth-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hon), Lincoln University. Her honours project, building on her internship, looks at psychosocial risks affecting employee experience and retention on New Zealand dairy farms.
Hands-on this summer:
- Analysed employee survey data (2019–2025) to understand what attracts and keeps people on farms, finding strong links between staff retention and positive relationships with managers and teammates.
- Attended the International Precision Dairy Farming Conference, onfarm events and workshops on artificial intelligence and technology opportunities in dairy systems.
Jacob Urlich
From: Waipu, near Whangārei
Studying: Completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with first-class honours at Lincoln University in 2025. Started a PhD, comparing regenerative and conventional pastures and their impact on animal production, after his internship.
Hands-on this summer:
- Assisted with the summer heat stress mitigation trial at Scott Farm in Hamilton.
- Collected and visualised trial data of cow behaviour to ensure smooth progress.
- Captured camera footage for an international collaboration aimed at automating respiration rate measurement.
- Gained hands-on experience in specialised, labour-intensive trial techniques such as respiration rates.
Meet the Māori interns
DairyNZ’s Māori internship programme, now in its sixth year, offers opportunities for rangatahi Māori to build capability in science and agriculture. This year’s interns completed joint internships, spending equal time at DairyNZ and the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
Find out more and watch the video at dairynz.co.nz/maori-internships
Amber Murfitt
From: Kawerau, Bay of Plenty
Iwi: Ngāti Raukawa
Studying: Final year of a Bachelor of Science, studying molecular and cellular biology and chemistry, at the University of Waikato.
Hands-on this summer:
- Worked alongside Māori advisors, environment specialists, and scientists from DairyNZ and the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
- Focused on catchment health, studying water quality and biodiversity, including eDNA testing and using tunnel trackers to identify skinks and other species.
- Participated in two noho marae at Maungatautari marae, deepening understanding of Mātauranga Māori – Māori knowledge and building networks with inspiring people.
Olivia Barlow
From: North Canterbury
Iwi: Ngāpuhi
Studying: Final year of a Bachelor of Science in finance and psychology at the University of Canterbury.
Hands-on this summer:
- Worked alongside Māori advisors, researchers and partnership specialists from both DairyNZ and the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
- Attended a two-day, Māori Biosecurity noho marae that focused on strengthening Māori-led biosecurity networks, identifying current and future biosecurity threats and hearing firsthand from Kaitiaki - environmental stewards.
- Gained insights into projects and research collaborations with Māori farms, agribusiness and iwi.
This article was originally published in Inside Dairy February-April 2026.
