Waikato

Wanda is a dedicated advocate for rural well-being and plays a vital role in supporting the farming community across the Waikato region. With a strong background in community development and years of hands-on rural experience, Wanda brings both empathy and practical insight to her work. Originally from overseas, Wanda moved to New Zealand to live and work on a dairy farm. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for the challenges and rewards of rural life. Wanda’s work is grounded in compassion, connection, and a strong belief in the resilience of rural people. Her lived experience in rural New Zealand has shaped her understanding of the unique pressures facing farming communities, and she is passionate about promoting self-care, mental well-being, and community strength—especially in more isolated areas.

Neil is a North Waikato Dairy Farmer and with wife Eileen, they operate a 240 hectare dairy farm. They were early adopters of Once-a-Day milking in the NZ Dairy Industry which is now becoming more accepted as a viable option for farm management. ​In the past Neil has been an LIC Shareholder Councillor and served on the Fonterra Shareholders Council for the first 6 years of its existence. He also served on and has been chairman of a Community Trust which owns a Retirement Village in the North Waikato. ​Neil is a founding member and Chairperson of the Waikato Hauraki/Coromandel Rural Support Trust. Neil also chaired the Rural Support National Council from inception until 2023.

Phil is a consulting agricultural economist, with a wide experience across the agricultural sector. Prior to 2012 he worked for MAF (now MPI) in the policy area, ending up as the North Island Policy Manager. As part of this work he was instrumental in developing the current adverse events assistance policy, and in facilitating the national network of Rural Support Trusts.

Stephen is a Chartered Accountant, Director and Trustee of a number of sports and charitable trusts. He is also a Director in his own accounting practice and has specialised in providing practical advice to the farming sector for over 30 years. With clients and Farm Advisory Board roles throughout the country, Stephen is well aware of the significant pressure farmers are under and would like to give back to the rural communities that have supported him during his career. He is passionate about the farming sector and lives on his lifestyle block in Karaka because he couldn’t afford a larger farm.

Grant, his wife Kyly and their four teenage children live in Taupiri, North Waikato. Grant and Kyly own and operate their dairy farming company milking 1,000 cows on the outskirts of Hamilton. Grant is heavily involved in the Taupiri community with his involvement in the local sports club. Grant also sits on the board of various other local companies. He joined the board of the Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust in 2018.

A dairy Farmer for 45 years, Peter has also been the President of Waikato Federated Farmers, Chairman and a Councillor on the Waikato Regional Council. Peter has vast experience with policy and regulations. He understands the need for policies and plans to provide guidance but also the need to give farmers tools to put in their toolboxes.