Leilani Lobb Named 2026 Dairy Women’s Network Regional Leader of the Year
North Otago farmer Leilani Lobb has been named the 2026 Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) Regional Leader of the Year.
Each year, women from across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector who are part of Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) are nominated for the prestigious award.
Jules Benton, DWN chief executive, says the nominated women have a commitment, drive, and passion for the dairy sector as a whole and are positive role models for women in dairying.
“We encourage our dairy women across Aotearoa New Zealand to put themselves forward for this award,” Benton says.
“They can either be nominated or apply themselves. Every day I meet women doing amazing things for their community and country and this award goes a small way to recognizing their efforts,” she says.
As well as the title of Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, the 2024 winner will receive a scholarship to the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, which includes the programme fee, travel, accommodation, mentoring and access to DWN and Fonterra platforms to share their research.
Over the years, the judging panel, led by Donna Smit, has had strong criteria for the applicants.
“Our Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year needs to be a strong performer, who is recognised by her peers as a potential leader and who demonstrates leadership within her community and further afield,” says Smit. “She is influential in the dairy sector; holding or having held leadership positions on regional or national dairy organisations. Ultimately, she has a vision to add to the dairy sector’s future and is actively working towards achieving that in her leadership aspirations.”
All finalists will have a professional video recorded and have conference costs, travel and accommodation paid for to attend the 2024 DWN conference and gala dinner.
