Farmer leader dips toe into politics

After many executive and governance roles this is her first venture into politics. 

Originally from the United States, Storey accepted a blind date with a Kiwi dairy farmer and migrated here in 1996, entering the dairy industry.

On farm she has mainly been in a support and strategic management role, while pursuing her own career.

Her husband Ian is a fourth generation dairy farmer and they own and operate a 480 cow farm in Te Hoe, north Waikato, farming there since 2001 and merging three farms into one operation.

Their focus is on breeding high BW animals and developing an adaptive approach to farming systems.

Embracing the changing societal expectations of modern farming is the key issue the sector faces, Storey says. 

“Maintaining our social licence to farm is imperative to our industry and individual businesses. We must adapt and respond to the demands of our communities and markets.”

We need effective dialogue and engagement on future ways of food production, she says.

She believes in community led change, and has led and participated in such initiatives for 10 years. 

“With my many years working in and with organisations on water, soil, air, biodiversity and economic development, the Waikato Regional Council is an ideal place for me to apply my unique mix of skills and experience to local government and our community.”

Storey has a bachelor degree in electrical engineering from Washington State University and more recently an MBA from a UK. She has long worked in energy, renewable generation, energy efficiency and environmental organisations, with 18 years in governance roles.

She has been a board member of Access HomeHealth, Go Eco, Council for Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership, and most recently Primary ITO. 

She was a finalist in the 2017 New Zealand Women of Influence Awards.