Dairy Environment Leaders
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3 min read
Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) is a nationwide network of passionate farmers championing environmental stewardship and sustainable dairying.
What is Dairy Environment Leaders?
Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) is a nationwide, farmer-led initiative supported by DairyNZ, bringing together dairy farmers across Aotearoa to drive positive environmental change. Through knowledge-sharing, resources, and leadership development, DEL empowers farmers to build a resilient and sustainable future for dairy.
Guided by farmers, for farmers, DEL demonstrates that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. Grounded in the values of kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) and whanaungatanga (connection and community), DEL strengthens relationships between farmers, iwi, and rural communities. It provides a platform to influence policy, champion innovation, and support peer-to-peer learning—ensuring lasting change for the sector and the land.
“Dairy Environment Leaders is about standing together, supporting each other to drive positive change, not just for ourselves, but for the land, our communities, and the future of dairy farming in New Zealand. If you share this philosophy, you will find commonality in our DEL network. The more people involved, the stronger we are. “
Amber Carpenter
Chair, Dairy Environment Leaders
What do DEL members do?
Dairy Environment Leaders:
- Share knowledge - bridge the knowledge gap through events, catchment groups, and pan-sector partnerships.
- Influence change - work with policymakers and dairy sector leaders.
- Tell the story - lead by example, showcasing environmental initiatives on-farm and in the community.
How DEL works
DEL is supported by DairyNZ with resourcing and funding, and is organised through:
- A National Advisory Committee (NAC) - farmer-led, overseeing the network.
- Regional Committees - active in Northland, Waikato, BOP, Lower North Island, Taranaki, Canterbury, and Southland.
Each region works on local priorities while staying connected nationally through shared dairy sector aspirations.
Video 01:11 min
Meet some of the leaders
DEL forums and events
Each year, DairyNZ hosts the DEL forum in Wellington, for farmers to:
- Connect with others passionate about sustainability.
- Build leadership skills.
- Learn from experts and industry leaders.
- Engage directly with government.
Ready to be a Dairy Environment Leader?
If you're a dairy farmer who’s passionate about sustainability and leadership, and whether you simply want to host school visits or get involved with policy, the DEL programme caters for all.
The strength of everyone involved equals the strength of the whole system.
To sign up, contact DEL@dairynz.co.nz or get in contact with one of your local DairyNZ area coordinators.
