Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ. The result shows farmers support the work DairyNZ delivers on behalf of New Zealand dairy farmers, says DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown.
“Over the last year farmers gave clear feedback on the areas they want DairyNZ to focus on. They’ve shown support for our strategy of applying DairyNZ’s strong engine of dairy science to deliver tools and resources that drive productivity, strengthen farm systems, and support farmers to compete on sustainability.
“I would like to sincerely thank every farmer who took the time to participate in the vote. Farmers have given us a clear mandate to get on with the job.”
“With the levy vote confirmed, DairyNZ will be putting all its energy into delivery of its work programme, including advancing genetic gain, harnessing data and insights to strengthen farm systems, and contributing to improved water quality across New Zealand,” says Tracy.
The Milksolids levy results show that 66 percent of levy payers who participated in the vote supported the levy, which represents 72 percent of Milksolids produced by all voters.
| Results | By Number of Eligible Voters | Weighted by Milksolids | ||
| Yes Votes | Turnout | Yes Votes | Turnout | |
| Final by percentage | 66% | 47% | 72% | 57% |
Note: For the vote to be passed, of those that vote more than 50% of levy payers needed to vote yes, and of those who voted yes they represent more than 50% of the Milksolids produced by all voters. In this case 66% of voters voted Yes, and that represented 72% of Milksolids produced by all voters.
DairyNZ will now lodge the formal levy application to gain ministerial approval. It anticipates this process to be completed prior to the General Election on 7 November this year.
Media contact
Jacob Quinn
Corporate Communications and Media Manager
p: 027 716 4197
e: jacob.quinn@dairynz.co.nz
Milksolids Levy Vote 2026
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