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.
Known for never being shy to speak out, Downing started his governance career as the chair of Kiwitahi Young Farmers in Morrinsville, then moving through the ranks to become the branch chair at Federated Farmers in the same town. Eventually, he becames the Feds' Morrinsville District chair, overseeing seven branches in the area.
Over time, Downing also held the position of dairy chair of the Feds' Waikato section, before eventually becoming VP at the national office. At this time, he combined his dairy farming expertise and governance to become a strong advocate for the establishment of a single dairy co-operative, over the traditional model of multiple small dairy companies across NZ.
For about six years, Downing also held positions at the Waikato Federated Farmers Trust, whose aim was to support local farmers and rescue organisations, alongside rural schools and education.
In the 1980s, he also showed his philanthropic side; during a strike by the Morrinsville Dairy Company, rather than throwing milk away, he handed it out for free on the main street of nearby Hamilton.
Firmly a believer in the mantra "how, not how-not", Lloyd joined the National Fieldays board in 1985, serving 12 years, and was president for five years. During his tenure, he oversaw projects such as the demolition of the 15-year-old Fieldays headquarters building, which he says had "developed some special water features in latter years".
He is currently retired but holds the honorary title of 'how-to consultant' at the family farm, meaning multiple pick-up trips to local rural suppliers. Downing can often be found seeking out that elusive big fish off the coast of Whangamata. And his philanthropic nature is taken care of in his wood turning workshop, where he creates bespoke wig stands for recovering cancer patients whose treatment has resulted in hair loss.
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Other Honourees
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Egan told Rural News that even more humbling has been "the many messages of support I have received since".
Egan was awarded the ONZM in the New Years Honours List 2026 for services to the agricultural industry and the community.
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Tony Egan |
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), says he's grateful for the award.
The award, which comes on top of an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit bestowed in 2018, is for his work with the Rural Support Trust.
Dr Robyn Ann Dynes was recognised in the New Year Honours for services to agricultural services. A farming systems scientist who has shaped more sustainable agricultural practices, she becomes a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
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Dr Robyn Dynes |
Poll Dorset breeding pioneer Neville Greenwood from Christchurch was recognised with an ONZM for his services to the sheep industry.
Two deer industry leaders also received an ONZM - South Canterbury's Graham Carr and former DINZ chair and Fonterra director Andy Macfarlane.
