WHAT’S OUR PURPOSE?

Farmer, Researcher, and Founder of the Agri-Women's Development Trust and Amplifying Us, Lindy has followed her heart unafraid to tackle challenges within the Primary Industry.

As a young bride and new to the agri sector two things stood out to her; how did we engage and harness the talent of women in our sector and how did we reduce harm on the farm? Having solved the first she is now directing her energy and using her influence toward the second.

Stuart Taylor, General Manager, Craigmore Sustainable (since 2019) , brings expertise in managing large-scale, multi-farm dairy operations. Before joining Craigmore, he led a North Island consultancy overseeing multiple farms. Alongside his professional role, Stuart and his family run an 800-cow dairy farm in Wakanui, near Ashburton.

Stuart believes that the success of the communities contributing to and benefiting from the business is imperative to the success and sustainability of the business, farming, and New Zealand.

Dr Charlotte Severne (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe) has been the Māori Trustee since 2018 and leads Te Tumu Paeroa, the Office of the Māori Trustee. The Māori Trustee is appointed to act as trustee to administer Māori freehold land and other assets on behalf of the beneficial Māori land owners.

In 2016, she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in recognition of her contribution as an advocate and mentor for Māori Development and Science. Charlotte also has a wealth of experience in working with Māori business as a science advisor and in governance roles,  including Health and Safety Committees.

Colin has been Chief Executive of New Zealand’s largest dairy farming business Dairy Holdings since 2001. His own farming interests in Mid-Canterbury include a 670 cow dairy farm and a 310ha bull beef operation.

Colin is passionate about health and safety on New Zealand farms and is a founding director of Safer Farms, a past director of DairyNZ, and Chair of Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation. He has been championing the need for cultural change across the farming sector. The Dairy Holdings team are driving farm safety through a number of initiatives to eliminate critical risks around vehicles and stock while embedding a culture of planning.

Stephen was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PGG Wrightson Limited in June 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting) from Massey University and is a member of the Institute of Directors and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.  

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Stephen was responsible for all aspects of the Retail & Water group business which includes the Rural Supplies, Fruitfed Supplies, Agritrade, and Water businesses.  He has worked for PGG Wrightson Limited and its predecessor companies since 1988.

David joined Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) in 2006 and was appointed to the role of Chief Executive in January 2022. He has held several leadership roles over that time including GM Operations and Service and Chief Transformation Officer.  David is a passionate advocate for herd improvement and the New Zealand dairy industry.  

David lives on a farm in the Waikato with his wife and three daughters where he breeds Wiltshire sheep.