Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
The People Expo events are designed to give dairy farmers an opportunity to hear from experts around economic and workforce trends, technology adoption, and how to find and keep great people.
DairyNZ lead advisor for people, Jane Muir, says she encourages farmers to come along.
“People on-farm is a hot topic right now with many farms finding it challenging to find and keep the staff they want,” says Muir.
“These events provide the chance for farmers to connect with each other and gather new ideas to improve their workplaces and businesses.”
A range of guest speakers are set to inspire and entertain attendees, including Sense Partners economist Shamubeel Eaqub who will discuss global and regional workforce trends, and people specialist Lee Astridge on what it takes to be a competitive workplace, to attract and retain staff.
Guest speaker, Taranaki dairy farmer Hayden Lawrence, is embracing new processes and technology with his farm team. This includes having 18-month lactations and using a web-based platform to communicate, record events, and provide a database of important farm information in a single digital location.
Lawrence will be presenting with DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Callum Eastwood on the science behind ways to change the job and provide real-world application to support farmers, as they consider how to make solutions work on their farm.
“People on-farm are the number one priority for most dairy businesses, and it’s important that we learn, grow and change, both now and into the future, to support our people,” he says.
“I entered dairy farming with a fresh perspective and wanted a different approach for running the farm,” Lawrence says. “I think it is important to keep challenging what we are doing now, and consider what opportunities are available.”
“Attending a People Expo event is a great opportunity to engage with other farmers, challenge ideas, and hear about alternative solutions on other farms, to help us all learn and grow.”
The People Expo events are free for dairy farmers and lunch is provided. To register, visit dairynz.co.nz/peopleexpo
People Expo event info
Canterbury
Tuesday, 14 March 2023
9.30am – 3.30pm
Dunsandel Community Centre, Dunsandel
Southland
Thursday, 16 March 2023
9.30am – 3.30pm
Invercargill Workingmen’s Club, 154 Esk St, Invercargill
Taranaki
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
9.30am – 3.30pm
TET Multisport Centre and Stadium, 62 Portia St, Stratford
Waikato
Thursday, 23 March 2023
9.30am – 3.30pm
Matamata Civic and Memorial Centre, 11 Tainui St, Matamata
