Rural leader grateful for latest honour
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
A dairy and sheep farmer of over 55 years, Trembath is a passionate advocate for New Zealand’s agriculture industry.
In that time, Trembath has served as the Federated Farmers Hauraki/Coromandel president and on the committee of the pre-Fonterra NZ Dairy Group.
He has also held a founding director role with AG-ITO, known as Primary Industries ITO.
“I’ve always been proud to be a farmer, helping feed New Zealand and the world,” he says.
“It’s been a privilege to serve my community, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able,” he adds.
In receiving the honour, Trembath expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his life, particularly his family and the generations before him who set the standard for service to the community.
“I would like to thank the individuals who thought I was deserving of this award and for managing the extensive paperwork involved,” he says.
“I also want to express my deepest appreciation to my wife Judith, of 52 years, and our children Kelly-Anne, Jared, and Logan, for their love, support, and encouragement.”
