Who’s speaking up for dairy in Wellington?

Behind the scenes, DairyNZ actively engages with ministers and MPs across the political spectrum to help ensure dairy farmers’ voices are heard where it matters.

Recent discussions have focused on key issues like freshwater, climate and sector stability, supporting decision-makers to better understand on-farm realities and the need for practical, workable policies.

This is part of our ongoing advocacy to contribute to a strong and sustainable future for the dairy sector.

Effective stakeholder engagement relies on open, consistent communication. One valuable forum for this is the Pastoral Sector Group (PSG), which includes DairyNZ alongside key Ministers, chairs, and CEOs from across the sector. Members include Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Deer Industry New Zealand, Federated Farmers, and the Meat Industry Association.

Events like Fieldays provide valuable opportunities for face-to-face conversations with ministers and MPs, often on neutral ground and in a farming environment. Alongside these, we run a regular programme of meetings in Wellington and host targeted on-farm discussions and events to connect politicians directly with farmers.

These discussions aren’t just symbolic – they allow us to raise key issues, share real stories from farmers, and highlight the practical impacts of policy at the farm gate. They are also a chance to build trust and help make sure dairy’s voice is heard clearly and constructively.

Another strong example is Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL). Through DEL, farmers connect directly with government officials, iwi, non-governmental organisations and others shaping the future of farming. It’s a space for sharing experiences, raising challenges, and offering practical insights into how policy affects daily farm life.

We advocate to help ensure farmers’ experiences and challenges are genuinely heard in government decision-making. By aligning policies with the latest science and farm realities, we work to shape rules that are practical and effective.

Working across parties, we aim to build consistency and long-term certainty, so farmers can plan ahead without being blindsided by shifting priorities.

Ultimately, this advocacy supports a strong, sustainable dairy future that balances profitability, environmental responsibility and community wellbeing. We’re always keen to hear your thoughts on our advocacy work — your feedback helps us keep focused on what matters to farmers.

Follow our policy and advocacy work at dairynz.co.nz/policy-and-advocacy