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Neil Bateup
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.
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.
But Bateup says he’s only part of a team made up of “lot of other people”.
“There are a lot of good people in the organisation which I have been fortunate to lead,” he told Rural News.
Bateup chaired the national Rural Support Trust for eight years. Her stepped down two years ago. He remains chair of Waikato Rural Support Trust, a post he has held for 21 years.
Bateup believes the Rural Support Trust is a very important organisation for the rural sector.
“We have something out there to support farmers when they run into tough times,” he says.
While there is much more awareness about the organisation compared to two decades ago, Bateup believes there are many people who don’t know they could turn to it for support.
“I think we can build that awareness across the country.”
Bateup lives on his farm at Ohinewai. He has a 50/50 sharemilker who milks 670 cows.
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