Hinehou Timutimu named Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2026

Bay of Plenty leader recognised for transformational impact across dairy sector and Māori agribusiness.

Hinehou Timutimu – known widely as Hine – has been named the 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, announced at the Dairy Women's Network gala dinner in Christchurch on 5 May as part of the DWN Conference, “Success through Inspiration.”

The fourteenth recipient of the award, Hine is General Manager of Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust in the Bay of Plenty, where she leads a dual-enterprise model combining dairy farming and maize. Of Tūhoe, Whakatohea and Te Ātiawa descent, Hine's leadership is guided by the whākatāukī 'Ka ora ai te whenua, Ka ora ai te tangata' – When the Land thrives, the People thrive – a philosophy woven through every initiative she leads.

Her work brings together mātauranga Māori and western science to drive climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and dairy performance improvements. Key initiatives include Project Te Aroha, which accelerates dairy productivity and emissions reduction through herd genomics and regenerative farming; He Whāriki mō Paekoau, a catchment restoration programme engaging schools and hapū; and Kua Āmio ki Tōna Tīmatanga, which creates bilingual resources embedding cultural knowledge into environmental action. 

DWN Trustee and Lead Judge Jenna Smith described Hine as a leader anchored in purpose. “Her leadership is authentic and she leads by example, makes decisions clearly, and consistently demonstrates her ability to bring people along with her – whether she’s rolling up her sleeves planting out a stream bank or setting and implementing strategy.”

Smith also highlighted Hine’s selfless approach: “She does not seek recognition or status, but instead looks to progress outcomes for women, for dairy, and anywhere the two collide.”

Hine's impact extends well beyond the farm gate. In 2025, she represented New Zealand as an expert speaker at the APEC Technical Cooperation Workshop in Bangkok, contributing to international discussions on women's economic empowerment and sustainable agriculture. She holds governance credentials spanning the IoD Company Directors' Course, Fonterra Governance Development Programme, LIC leadership programmes, and MPI Governance Essentials, and has been selected for the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme 2026. She is also Vice Chair of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Anne Douglas, Group Director Fonterra Farm Source and a member of the judging panel this year, says she is thrilled to see Hine named the 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.

“Her ability to bring together mātauranga Māori and modern farming practices is a powerful example of the leadership our sector needs. I’ve also been impressed by her global perspective and how she applies insights from around the world to strengthen our rural communities,” says Anne.

As part of her award, Hine receives a scholarship to the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, covering programme fees, travel and accommodation, mentoring, and access to DWN and Fonterra platforms to share her research.

Smith was quick to acknowledge the strength of the finalist field. “Joining Hine as finalists were LeAnne Blakelock and Rachel Short – two leaders who each brought an exceptional depth of contribution to the award, and I want to acknowledge how incredible these two women are.”

LeAnne Blakelock, a dairy farmer, sharemilker, and chartered accountant based in Inglewood, Taranaki, is the founder of Calf Chronicles – a farmer-tofarmer platform with over 5,800 followers in New Zealand and internationally – and the creator of the Rose Gold Veal brand, championing ethical veal production and whole-of-system sustainability. She combines commercial, farming, and entrepreneurial experience with a deep commitment to community wellbeing and connection and has given more than a decade to suicide prevention work.

Rachel Short, a born-and-bred Coastal Taranaki dairy farmer near Opunake, is one of New Zealand's leading voices in organic and regenerative dairying. She led the conversion of both her family farms to organic certification from 2015, and her practical, grounded leadership style - walking alongside others and sharing knowledge from the ground up – has earned her consistent recognition across the sector since 2013.

The Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award celebrates women who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to the dairy industry.

The 2026 award marks another milestone in recognising the breadth and depth of women's leadership shaping the future of New Zealand's most significant primary sector.

Article supplied by Dairy Women's Network