Monday, 19 October 2020 09:27

Vanessa Winning is new Irrigation NZ CEO

Written by  Staff Reporters
Vanessa Winning. Vanessa Winning.

Irrigation New Zealand has appointed former DairyNZ manager Vanessa Winning as its new chief executive.

Winning will start her new role today; she will be based in its new Wellington HQ. 

She has 20 years experience in the agriculture, banking and corporate sectors with excellent stakeholder management and engagement skills.

Winning was most recently general manager farm performance at DairyNZ, where she led a large team across the country to help farmers improve their businesses and reduce environmental impacts. Prior to DairyNZ, she spent 18 years in banking; trade; product development; marketing and communications. 

Winning has a commerce degree in economics and management, and a postgraduate degree in marketing

She has also just completed a contract for the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) on a He Waka Eke Noa project.

“The irrigation sector has much work ahead to continue building public trust and bridge knowledge gaps about the benefits that fair water management can bring to our communities and environment - we believe Vanessa is the right person to drive this,” says Keri Johnston, chair of IrrigationNZ.

“Vanessa has the strategic vision to lead our sector in the right direction: she partners to achieve positive outcomes; has commercial experience to grow an effective organisation; understands the primary sector and has worked in it managing large teams; and can navigate the increasingly complex area of water management in New Zealand.”

Commenting on her new position, Winning said: “I see so much potential for water in our country - its sensible harvesting, fair management, and pragmatic use for balanced outcomes across the economy, environment, and all of our communities, including mana whenua. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role!”

More like this

From Advocacy to Action

For years, IrrigationNZ has called for a coordinated national approach to water security, backed by enabling regulation, strategic infrastructure investment and sound technical practice. As the 2026 general election approaches, many of these priorities are now reflected in political commitments and legislative reforms. That represents significant progress, but the real measure of success will be turning policy into practical outcomes, says IrrigationNZ principal technical officer Stephen McNally.

A Strong Dairy Sector Means a Strong New Zealand

OPINION: New Zealand dairy is delivering. In the year to June, dairy exports earned a record $28.8 billion for New Zealand. They were part of a record $65.2 billion earned by our wider food and fibre sector.

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

Claas Balers Turn 30

Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter