Tuesday, 14 April 2026 09:55

Taupiri Farmer Chris Woolerton Tipped as New Federated Farmers Waikato President

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Chris Woolerton Chris Woolerton

Taupiri farmer Chris Woolerton is tipped to take over as Federated Farmers Waikato president from next week.

Woolerton, current Feds provincial vice-president and North Waikato branch chair, takes over from Phil Sherwood, who is giving up the post after one year in the role.

Dairy News understands that Sherwood is relocating to Taranaki. He remains a Federated Farmers member.

Woolerton farms in Taupiri on 370ha including a runoff. The family-owned business runs two herds, one with 380 cows and the other with 480 cows.

He represented Waikato District Council's rural Hukanui-Waerenga Ward from 2019 until 2022, before the ward was disestablished due to council boundary changes.

The farms have a contract milker who has five staff and this gives Woolerton time for his Federated Farmers work.

Woolerton will be confirmed in the top role at the Federated Farmers Waikato provincial annual meeting next Thursday.

More like this

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

CODC Sludge-to-Lauder Plan Slammed by Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.

Federated Farmers Welcomes RMA Replacement Passing

Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.

Featured

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter