Budget 2026: Slim Pickings For the Rural Sector
In advance of the Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis put a clear damper on expectations and delivered accordingly.
She was elected to the role last week at the Federated Farmers annual meeting, fighting off a strong challenge from vice-president Anders Crofoot.
Former Feds dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard is the new vice-president.
Milne says she became involved in Federated Farmers out of “righteous anger” and frustration at seeing people who knew little about farming telling farmers what to do.
She rose through the ranks, initially serving as her region’s dairy section chair, and was then elected to the Feds national board.
She is also deputy chair of Westland Milk Products.
She and her partner Ian Whitmore farm 200 high BW Jersey cows on their 100ha (eff) property near Lake Brunner, Rotomanu, near Hokitika.
Milne has played a leading role in improving the water quality of the lake by helping initiate smart environmental practices.
She is also a member of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, is on the council of OSPRI, has a role in Worksafe as part of her Feds role and is involved in TB Free.
Milne’s rapid rise to the top is because of her open, friendly tell-it-like-it-is personal style. She is seen as a person who can connect well with Feds members and with the public.
Milne replaces William Rolleston, who stepped down after serving the mandatory three-year term.
