NZYF's new chair spells out her 12-month plan

“We’ve recently launched some key projects to make the future of the organisation sustainable with the NZYF Community, and to benefit our members with the new digital platform,” says Waite.

“I am really looking forward to hitting those targets and goals and also being part of other projects that are going to see our members thrive.”

An OSPRI regional partner in Taranaki, Waite has been an NZYF member for nine years and is proud to be elected chair, after having her sights set on being a board member for several years prior.

“The biggest benefit of being an NZYF member is the friends and connections you make right across the country which has been a huge highlight for me.

“People are the heart of this organisation and its legacy, our members, both former and present, have made New Zealand Young Farmers what it is today and I feel beyond privileged to represent them.”

Waite, 30, replaces Kent Weir who ended his 12-month term as chair at the annual meeting recently.

“It’s going to be exciting, but also quite challenging which I think is a good balance,” she says.

South Waikato Young Farmer Chloe Belfield and Mackenzie Young Farmer Nicola Blowey have also officially taken their seats as board members.

They were two of four NZYF members vying for the two positions, elected annually on a three-year term.

Blowey, 28, is a former dairy farmer, currently working as a DairyNZ extension officer.

Originally from the United Kingdom, she landed in NZ in 2016 and brings membership experience from other Young Farmer organisations across the globe, including the UK, Canada and Europe.

“My experience is in on-farm, grassroots members and my focus is on delivering for the membership to ensure the long-term success of our organisation,” she says.

She has held executive positions at club and regional level and also sat on the national committee as the Aorangi delegate.

“It has been a real privilege to be a part of the team during this difficult period for our region and see Aorangi emerging now, stronger than ever with a new motivated team of people.”

Belfield, 24, has been a member since the age of 17.

She works for Fonterra as a business improvement lead and has also started her own business, Jones Agri Fencing.

“Young Farmers has provided me with a lot at a young age, and within an organisation that equally shares my passion for our rural communities and sector," she says.

She has held a number of roles at club, district and regional level, most recently as the Otago Southland chairwoman which she said have all helped to build her confidence, leadership, and governance capabilities.

She has held a number of roles at club, district and regional level, most recently as the Otago Southland chairwoman which she said have all helped to build her confidence, leadership, and governance capabilities.