Wellington is playing host to the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) Forum, supported by DairyNZ. The forum gives some of New Zealand’s most innovative farming leaders an opportunity to connect with each other, policy makers, politicians, and other influencers who shape the New Zealand dairy sector.
Connection and collaboration are key for dairy farmers as they continue to reduce their environmental footprint. The forum’s theme of Kotahitanga – meaning unity, togetherness, solidarity, and collective action – recognises that.
“Kotahitanga is about forming and maintaining relationships and strengthening ties between communities,” said Amber Carpenter, Chair of DEL and Hunua dairy farmer. “These connections help the dairy sector continue to develop climate and water quality solutions for our pasture-based farms, to accelerate positive change, and get ahead of the environmental challenges farmers face.”
The event will feature a series of discussions and workshops focused on sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship, and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the industry. Attendees will have the chance to hear from experts in the field, share their own success stories, and collaborate to enhance the environmental performance of dairy farming in New Zealand.
"Dairy farming is at the heart of New Zealand's economy, and it's crucial that we continue to lead the way in sustainable practices," said Tracy Brown, Chair of DairyNZ Board and a former Chair of DEL. "This event is an excellent opportunity for our environmental leaders to come together, share knowledge, and work towards our sustainable future."
"We know that New Zealand has one of the most sustainable dairy sectors in the world, but that is not a reason to be complacent. We must continue to do better," Brown said in her opening remarks. She also underscored the significance of the dairy industry in driving New Zealand's export-led economic recovery, a top priority of government.
Brown addressed the challenges of climate change and freshwater management, noting that these are the biggest environmental issues facing the agriculture sector over the next 10 to 20 years. She underscored that DairyNZ is committed to supporting farmers through investments in science, research, policy advocacy, and extension.
"DairyNZ serves as the science, research, and solutions 'engine room' behind our farmers, enabling them to have the tools they need to drive change for the future," Brown said. She also highlighted DairyNZ's strategic focus on the future and the importance of partnerships in achieving the sector's goals.
Amber Carpenter, Chair of DEL, added, "Our farmers are at the forefront of environmental stewardship, and this forum is a testament to their dedication and leadership. By coming together, we can share our experiences, learn from each other, and continue to innovate for a more sustainable future. The commitments we make will shape the future of our sector.”
The event included a keynote speech by Trade, Forestry, and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, who discussed the importance of having a healthy tension between government, industry and sectors, noting the crucial role of each in pushing each other to be better, leading to improved outcomes for New Zealand.
James Palmer, Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment, acknowledged the industry’s progress on improving environmental practice over many years, and thanked the farmers in the room for the leadership they show on farm. He said the dairy industry is leading the way in the primary sector in taking account of its environmental impacts.
The forum also included a cross-party panel where farmers and panellists raised the value of cross-party agreement in key policy areas such as water quality.
The DEL forum is taking place at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington from 4 to 6 March.
About DEL
The Dairy Environment Leaders network was formed by farmers, DairyNZ and the NZ Farm Environment Trust in 2007. It aims to empower leadership and provide opportunities to support and share on-farm actions to reduce environmental footprint and broader sustainability issues. There are about 400 members – all environmentally focused dairy farmers who are committed to creating a sustainable future in dairying.
Media contact
Jacob Quinn
Principal Corporate Communications Advisor
p 027 716 4197
e jacob.quinn@dairynz.co.nz