This year’s forum’s theme was Kotahitanga – unity, togetherness, solidarity and collective action.
The annual Dairy Environment Leaders Forum took place this week in Wellington, giving farming leaders an opportunity to connect with each other, policy makers, politicians and others who shape the dairy sector.
Supported by DairyNZ, this year’s forum’s theme was Kotahitanga – meaning unity, togetherness, solidarity and collective action, which are critical for farmers’ efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.
DEL chair and Hunua dairy farmer Amber Carpenter said Kotahitanga is about forming and maintaining relationships and strengthening ties between communities.
“These connections help the dairy sector continue to develop climate and water quality solutions for our pasture-based farms, to accelerate positive change and get ahead of the environmental challenges farmers face.”
“By coming together, we can share our experiences, learn from each other, and continue to innovate for a more sustainable future. The commitments we make will shape the future of our sector.”
The event featured discussions and workshops focused on sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the industry.
DairyNZ board chair and a former DEL chair Tracy Brown said dairy farming is at the heart of New Zealand’s economy, and it’s crucial that it continues to lead the way in sustainable practices.
“This event is an excellent opportunity for our environmental leaders to come together, share knowledge, and work towards our sustainable future.
“We know that New Zealand has one of the most sustainable dairy sectors in the world, but that is not a reason to be complacent. We must continue to do better,” Brown said.
She addressed the challenges of climate change and freshwater management, noting that these are the biggest environmental issues facing the agriculture sector over the next 10 to 20 years.
She underscored that DairyNZ is committed to supporting farmers through investments in science, research, policy advocacy, and extension.
“DairyNZ serves as the science, research, and solutions ‘engine room’ behind our farmers, enabling them to have the tools they need to drive change for the future,” Brown said. She also highlighted DairyNZ’s strategic focus on the future and the importance of partnerships in achieving the sector’s goals.
Ministry for the Environment CEO James Palmer acknowledged the industry’s progress on improving environmental practice over many years, and thanked the farmers in the room for the leadership they show on farm.
He said the dairy industry is leading the way in the primary sector in taking account of its environmental impacts.
The forum also included a cross-party panel where farmers and panellists raised the value of cross-party agreement in key policy areas such as water quality.
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