Taranaki Dairy Event

Join us at the Taranaki Dairy Event, a Step Change 2.0 project event delivered by Dairy Trust Taranaki and DairyNZ, to connect with forward-thinking farmers, sector leaders and experts - and explore what’s next for dairy.

From future technology and sector collaboration to the dairy trade outlook, this one-day event is focused on the ideas and insights shaping a future fit dairy industry. Featuring keynote speaker Wayne Langford and a strong line up of industry voices, it’s a day designed to inform, challenge and inspire.

Designed for all Taranaki dairy farmers, this event provides the chance to connect with others and to take away practical actions and thought-provoking information you can apply on farm.

Mags Bremer (Head of Science) and Diego Gomez (General Manager) - Dairy Trust Taranaki

Dairy Trust Taranaki (DTT) is conducting one of the largest farm systems trials in New Zealand addressing lower GHG emissions and N loss, while maintaining productivity and profitability. Hear from Mags and Diego about this trial and the work they are doing on other research farms.

Thomas McCarthy, DairyNZ scientist

Thomas brings his expertise in agronomy, soil fertility, water quality, and nutrient use efficiency to his role at DairyNZ. He is part of the team investigating the use of technology to measure pasture performance and is also working on the Resilient Pastures Programme.

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and a PhD in Soil, Agronomy and Crop Science from Southeast Technological University, Ireland; he completed the latter at Teagasc Johnstown Castle. After graduation, he continued to work as a researcher at Teagasc, supporting farmers in improving their nutrient management efficiency and researching the development and use of the circular bioeconomy in Ireland's agricultural and forestry sectors.

Vangelis Vitalis - Deputy Secretary, Trade and Ecomonics

Vangelis Vitalis is one of New Zealand’s most experienced trade and international economic policy leaders. He has played a central role in shaping New Zealand’s global trade strategy, including leading high profile trade negotiations such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and contributing to key free trade agreements with major markets.

With deep insight into global markets, geopolitics, and trade policy, Vangelis brings a clear and practical perspective on how international trade dynamics influence New Zealand’s primary industries, including the dairy sector.

Wayne Langford - President, Federated Farmers

Wayne Langford is the President of Federated Farmers, New Zealand’s largest rural advocacy organisation, and a sixth-generation dairy farmer from Golden Bay. He brings a strong grassroots perspective to national conversations on farming, policy, trade and the future direction of the primary sector.

As President, Wayne represents farmers at the highest levels of government and industry, with a focus on practical policy, sector collaboration, and ensuring farming remains viable, productive and sustainable. He is a strong advocate for aligning industry, regulators and farmers to support confidence and long-term success in New Zealand agriculture.

Wayne is also widely known through his social media platform YOLO Farmer, where he shares authentic, relatable insights into farming life, leadership and mental health in the rural sector. Through this platform, Wayne has helped spark important conversations and reduce stigma around wellbeing in farming communities.

In addition, Wayne is the co-founder of Meat the Need, a nationwide initiative connecting farmers with food banks to support New Zealand families in need. His leadership style combines honesty, humour and practical insight, making him a respected and influential voice across the dairy and wider food and fibre sector.

Jared Mair - Chief Insight Officer, Ministry for Primary Industries and Executive Director, Te Puna Whakaaronui

Jared Mair is a leading voice on future technology and long term transformation in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. In his roles at MPI and Te Puna Whakaaronui, he focuses on how emerging technologies - such as artificial intelligence, digital systems, gene technology and data driven decision making - will reshape farming and the wider primary sector.

Jared brings a future focused, systems-based perspective, helping farmers and industry understand not just what technologies are coming, but which ones matter most, how quickly change is likely to occur, and what it could mean for on farm decision making. His work supports the sector to prepare for change while capturing the opportunities new technologies present.

Jacqueline Rowarth - DairyNZ Director, Farmer Elected

Jacqueline Rowarth has a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science with honours in Environmental Agriculture, and a PhD in Soil Science from Massey University. She has worked in research, education, management and governance with AgResearch, Lincoln University, Unitec in Auckland, The University of Melbourne, Massey University, University of Waikato, the Environmental Protection Authority, Crop and Food Research, AGMARDT and DairyNZ.

Jacqueline remains committed to trying to help society understand the importance of agriculture and horticulture and dispelling the myths that surround food production.

Andrew Stewart - Farmer Director of Western North Island, Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Andrew Stewart is a Director at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, bringing strong governance experience and a practical understanding of New Zealand’s red meat sector. He is committed to supporting farmer profitability, sustainability, and long term industry resilience through sound strategy, evidence based decision making, and clear representation of farmer interests.

Campbell Parker - Chief executive, DairyNZ

Campbell joined DairyNZ as chief executive in October 2023 and is excited about leading DairyNZ at a pivotal time for the Dairy Industry in New Zealand. He is passionate about the role the dairy sector plays in creating jobs, building communities, and contributing to the success of the New Zealand economy.

With over 25 years leadership experience in agriculture Campbell has held previous roles with PGG Wrightson, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Waikato Milking Systems, and GEA Farm Technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture majoring in Rural Valuation from Massey University. He grew up on a sheep, beef, and dairy grazing farm in the Waikato.