Hamish Matthews

When it comes to being a regional team member at DairyNZ, it’s a two-way street for Hamish.

“In some respects my role is like a bridge, I share the cool stuff that DairyNZ researches and develops, to help farmers with how it will work on their farm. Back the other way, I share farmers’ concerns, ideas and triumphs with DairyNZ to help influence the next round of research, development and advocacy.”

Hamish sees change as a constant and its scope and pace can be overwhelming.

“That’s why supporting farmers with how it might look for them is vitally important. In Northland we have a really cool network of rural professionals that are keen to help farmers reach their own and the sector’s goals and targets. Interactions happen at many levels from community dinners, to supporting each other at ours and others’ events, to connecting farmers to the specialist knowledge they might need.

When he’s not helping farmers through his DairyNZ role, Hamish enjoys exploring the hills and coasts of Northland either on foot or by kayak. He finds both work and play very rewarding.

“Dairy farming is the fusion of animals, people, science, finances, environment – so many things that all individually fascinate and inspire me. I get to work with a great bunch of dairy farmers and other rural professionals who are passionate about the dairy sector.”

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