Clinton Hemana

Clinton, a fifth-generation descendant from Te Arawa waka in Rotorua (Ngāti Pikiao/Iwi, Ngāti Parua/hapu), is energised by Māori agriculture and its contribution to the farming sector.

“I’m responsible for DairyNZ’s engagement with, and extension to, Māori agribusiness across New Zealand. Māori agriculture is considered to be 10% of the dairy sector (including 6% of milk), and Māori land carries 4.8% of our national dairy herd.”

Clinton previously worked for 25 years for Māori agribusinesses as a private consultant, trustee and professional director. In his DairyNZ role, he develops and leads relationships for our regional teams within their rohe (region) and coordinates those relationships throughout the motu (country), to create partnerships and provide support for them, as well as for DairyNZ’s policy and science teams.

“I also collaborate with all stakeholders across the sector: processors, bankers, ministries and councils, science providers, rural supplies merchants, fertiliser companies, farmer groups, Dairy Environment Leaders, industry competition committees and Beef+Lamb New Zealand.

“Having authentic true partnerships with Māori also provides leverage in science funding and license to operate in Resource Management Act processes. I believe the existence of our country stands on the shoulders of our farmers and DairyNZ stands on the shoulders of our regional teams.

As kaitiaki (guardians), Māori intrinsically hold and lead in the areas of people, profit and planet.

I need and want to be part of this. My elders told me there is great mana in feeding the people He mahi o te rangatira, he manaaki i te iwi ¬– "The work of a leader is to care for or sustain the people”.”

• Find out more about DairyNZ’s other Upper North Island regional team members.
• Check out our nationwide regional teams.